Flight Travel Distance Calculator

Great Circle Distance Formula:

\[ Distance = \sqrt{(Lat_2 - Lat_1)^2 + (Lon_2 - Lon_1)^2} \times 111 \text{ (approximate)} \]

Latitude 1:

degrees

Longitude 1:

degrees

Latitude 2:

degrees

Longitude 2:

degrees

Flight Distance:

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1. What is Flight Travel Distance?

Flight travel distance refers to the great-circle distance between two points on the Earth's surface, representing the shortest path between them. This is the actual distance an aircraft would travel between two locations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the great-circle distance approximation:

\[ Distance = \sqrt{(Lat_2 - Lat_1)^2 + (Lon_2 - Lon_1)^2} \times 111 \]

Where:

\( Lat_1, Lat_2 \) — Latitude coordinates in degrees
\( Lon_1, Lon_2 \) — Longitude coordinates in degrees
111 — Approximate kilometers per degree of latitude/longitude

Explanation: This formula provides a quick approximation of the great-circle distance using Euclidean geometry, suitable for most practical flight distance calculations.

3. Importance of Distance Calculation

Details: Accurate flight distance calculation is essential for flight planning, fuel estimation, flight time calculation, and airline route optimization.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter latitude and longitude coordinates in decimal degrees. Valid ranges: latitude -90 to 90, longitude -180 to 180. The calculator provides distance in kilometers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between great-circle distance and actual flight path?
A: Great-circle distance is the shortest path, while actual flight paths may deviate due to air traffic control, weather, or political boundaries.

Q2: How accurate is this approximation?
A: This approximation is reasonably accurate for distances up to a few thousand kilometers. For precise calculations, the Haversine formula is recommended.

Q3: Why multiply by 111?
A: 111 kilometers is the approximate distance of one degree of latitude at the Earth's surface, providing a conversion from degrees to kilometers.

Q4: Can I use this for driving distance?
A: No, this calculates straight-line (great-circle) distance. Driving distance follows roads and is typically longer.

Q5: What are typical flight distances?
A: Short-haul: <1,500 km, Medium-haul: 1,500-4,000 km, Long-haul: >4,000 km. Transcontinental flights can exceed 10,000 km.