Great Circle Distance


In aviation, the Great Circle Distance refers to the shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere, measured along the surface of the sphere (as opposed to a straight line through the sphere's interior). The term originates from the concept of a 'great circle', which is the largest circle that can be drawn on any given sphere. In aviation, this concept is crucial for determining the most efficient flight path between two points on the Earth's surface. The Earth is not a perfect sphere, but a geoid, however, for the purpose of flight planning and navigation, it is treated as a sphere. The Great Circle Distance is calculated using the central angle between the two points and the radius of the sphere. This method of calculation provides the shortest possible flight distance, thus saving fuel and time. It is particularly relevant for long-haul flights where the curvature of the Earth becomes a significant factor.


Your Previous Searches
Random Picks

  • Transpacific Routes: In the context of aviation, Transpacific Routes refer to the flight paths that aircraft follow to travel across the Pacific Ocean. These routes are crucial for connecting countries and continents on either side of the Pacific, such as the U ... Read More >>
  • Government Authorities: Government Authorities refer to the regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing and enforcing aviation safety and security regulations. These authorities are typically established by national governments and work in conjunction with intern ... Read More >>
  • Crew Resources Management (CRM): Crew Resource Management (CRM) is a set of training procedures for use in environments where human error can have devastating effects. Used primarily for improving air safety, CRM focuses on interpersonal communication, leadership, and deci ... Read More >>
Top News

Shakes on a plane: Delta to serve Shake Shack cheeseburgers on flights leaving B...

Delta Air Lines will begin shaking up its menu by serving Shake Shack cheeseburgers on flights departing from Boston this December, part of a new partnership with the New York-based burger chain....

News Source: NBC News on 2024-11-20

Delta takes a jab at Spirit and says it soon expects more profit from premium se...

Delta said a premium focus, anchored by millennials willing to pay more, will beat out budget carriers that depend on low fares to lure in customers....

News Source: Business Insider on 2024-11-20

How Alaska Airlines used AI to save over 1.2 million gallons of jet fuel...

Alaska Airlines uses Air Space Intelligence's Flyways AI Platform tool to plan flight routes, save jet fuel, and help avoid delays and cancellations....

News Source: Business Insider on 2024-11-20

Tapestry’s $8.5 billion merger with Capri was just scrapped. Here’s what tha...

With Tapestry's $8.5 billion merger with luxury retail peer Capri called off, CIO Yang Lu can dedicate her focus on innovative technologies, like artificial intelligence....

News Source: Fortune on 2024-11-20

Delta CEO says Trump administration's approach to regulation could be 'breath of...

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said the Trump administration’s approach to regulation could be a “breath of fresh air.”...

News Source: NBC News on 2024-11-20