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.
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