Does an aircraft travel in a straight line?

[VSI9k+]

If flying from point A to point B...assuming you are cleared direct, are you actually flying in a straight line? Please explain.

 

[PositionandHold]

I guess it would depend on what you're referencing it by. If you want to flatten out the globe into a map, it won't be a straight line. If you mean in spherical terms (i.e. the earth), and you're looking at it straight above, why wouldn't it be a straight line?

 

[VSI9k+]

well thats the thing...if you consider that the aircraft operates in a 3rd dimention...then the line would have to operate in a 3rd dimention aswell. So as the aircraft cruises arcoss the gound at a constant altitude...its flight path is curved.

Or am i missing something here? If so what?

 

[User998]

Edited

 

[paulsalem]

well thats the thing...if you consider that the aircraft operates in a 3rd dimention...then the line would have to operate in a 3rd dimention aswell. So as the aircraft cruises arcoss the gound at a constant altitude...its flight path is curved.

Or am i missing something here? If so what?

Makes sense to me other wise you'd end up in space

 

[Groucho]

Not if I'm flying it.

When I transitioned off of glass back to steam guages for a short period the instuructor said, "just fly straight and level." "Sure I said, which one do you want first?"

 

[Fugawe]

well thats the thing...if you consider that the aircraft operates in a 3rd dimention...then the line would have to operate in a 3rd dimention aswell. So as the aircraft cruises arcoss the gound at a constant altitude...its flight path is curved.

Or am i missing something here? If so what?

Based on this theory/idea ocean liners never travel straight lines. If you walk across the US, you encounter the curvature of the earth, so it's not a straight line. If you walk a mile, it's not a straight line, if you run a 100 yd dash, it's not a straight line................................................

What's the definition of 'straight line'?


Fugawe

 

[pilotyip]

All direct lines between two points on the surface a sphere have a degree of curve to match the curvature of the spherical surface. If viewed from overhead in two dimensions, it would appear as a straight line provided the line on the surface of the sphere was defined by the intersection of surface and a plane passing through the center of the sphere. Better know as a great circle. All lines of longitude are great circles; the equator is the only latitude line that defines a great circle. So the answer is it is not a straight line it has a curve.

 

[VSI9k+]

thanks guys...

 

[FN FAL]

What's the definition of 'straight line'?


Fugawe

The opposite of a "gay line"? And what's up with those colored airways, anyway?