Navigation Problems USCG Question #1517 (Set 45)

Determine the great circle initial course from LAT 07°05.0'N, LONG 81°45.0'W to LAT 21°15.0'N, LONG 157°40.0'W.

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option B — 290°T

Initial great circle course is determined using the haversine formula or the cosine of the side formula from spherical trigonometry. Given the coordinates, the initial course is calculated as 290 degrees True. This represents the shortest distance path between the two points on the Earth's surface.

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