Great Circle
Definition
The shortest path between two points on the surface of a sphere, following the curve of the Earth. Aircraft follow great circle routes for fuel efficiency on long-haul flights.
Verwandte Begriffe
Haversine Formula
A mathematical formula used to calculate the great-circle distance between two points on a sphere given their latitude and longitude. Essential for computing flight distances.
Nautical Mile
A unit of distance used in aviation and maritime navigation, equal to approximately 1.852 kilometers or 1.151 statute miles. Based on one minute of latitude on the Earth's surface.
Bearing
The direction from one point to another, expressed in degrees from true north (0-360). Used in aviation to describe the heading of an aircraft or the direction to a navigation point.
Verwandte Leitfäden
How Flight Routes Are Planned: Airways, Waypoints, and Navigation
The invisible highway system in the sky. Airways, waypoints, RNAV navigation, and how flight dispatchers plan optimal routes.
Route Milestones: Historic First Flights
Major route inaugurations and aviation firsts. From the Wright Brothers to the first transatlantic and transpacific flights.