EASA NAV(A)basic
On the surface of a sphere, the shortest distance between any two points lies along an arc of a ______.
Answer
great circle
Explanation
The shortest route on a spherical Earth is part of a great circle. A rhumb line may be easier to follow because it holds a constant bearing, but it is generally longer except in special cases. **Key takeaway:** Shortest route means great-circle route.\n\n**Glossary:** **Great-circle distance**: distance measured along a great-circle arc.
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