Great Circle Path

In aviation, a Great Circle Path refers to the shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere. It is a concept derived from spherical geometry and is particularly relevant in aviation navigation. When planning a flight route, especially for long-haul flights, pilots and navigators use the Great Circle Path to determine the most efficient and fuel-saving route. This path is not a straight line on a flat map projection, but rather a curve that follows the Earth's surface. The Great Circle Path takes into account the Earth's curvature and results in a route that may seem indirect on a flat map but is actually the shortest possible distance. This is why many intercontinental flight paths, when viewed on a flat map, appear to arc northward or southward. The Great Circle Path is calculated using the departure and arrival points' latitude and longitude. It is a fundamental concept in aviation navigation and is used in conjunction with other navigational tools and techniques to plan and execute flights.