Why Planes Don’t Fly in Straight Lines
The Earth Is Round
Earth is a sphere, not flat so the shortest distance between two points is a curved line called a great circle.
The Great Circle Route
Great circle routes appear curved on maps but are actually the most direct and efficient path between two cities.
Fuel Efficiency
Airlines follow these paths to reduce distance and fuel consumption, helping cut both cost and environmental impact.
Wind and Jet Streams
Pilots use strong high-altitude winds called jet streams to save fuel and reach destinations faster—even if the path looks longer.
Avoiding Weather Zones
Airplanes sometimes curve around storms, turbulence zones, or restricted airspaces to ensure a smoother and safer flight.
Air Traffic Routes
Air traffic control defines fixed airways in the sky—pilots must follow approved paths instead of flying straight anywhere.
Map Illusion
Flat maps distort reality what looks curved on a map is actually straight when viewed on the globe’s 3D surface.
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