On Sep 4, 10:18 pm, Martin <m...@address.invalid> wrote:
> On Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:45:58 GMT, "Tim W" 
> wrote:
>
>
>
> >"Paul {Hamilton Rooney}"  wrote in message
> >news:c29e10fc-d23f-4cdd-b887-a87eedbfb6cd@n38g2000prl.googlegroups.com..> >On 4 Sep, 18:25, Martin <m...@address.invalid> wrote:
>
> >Yes, but he still couldn't do the straight line thing! AFAIK it's not
> >possible by traditional navigation methods - except in the special
> >circumstances already mentioned. I am willing to be corrected, of
> >course.
>
> >Navigators absolutely did sail great circle routes by traditional methods.
> >You have to change your heading as you go along  but calculating a compass
> >course for a great circle route every day or every watch was one of the
> >standard navigation skills.
>
> Also done by airline pilots at one time.
> --
>
> Martin

Not exactly - they did a succession of curves, approximating to a
straight line.