Optimal flight paths can deviate significantly from the shortest path, as can be seen in this Boeing paper. http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articl

Optimal flight paths can deviate significantly from the shortest path, as can be seen in this Boeing paper. http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_03_09/article_08_1.html http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_0...