Aviation Knowledge:

[CChambliss]

The question on cloud clearance was a nice break, and I for one am glad to see an attempt to add more content to the forum. Here is one to try:

Comrade Kochinko, a pilot in the Soviet Air Force was given a most unusual assignment. He was told to fly to a point of his choosing in the Northern Hemisphere,and, once there, perform th following navigational exercise.
"Fly a True Course of 360 degrees for 500 NM, turn right and maintain a True Course of 090 degrees for another 500 NM, and then turn so as to track along a True Course of 180 degrees for an additional 500 NM."
Now this did not sould too difficult until Kochinko read the final requirement of his flight orders.
"After flyingeach of the three 500 NM legs the aircraft must arrive at the same point from which the exercise started."
Initially Kochinko was much concerned about this semmingly impossible assignment, but then he realized he could do it.
If you were Comrade Kochinko, how would you resolve this problem. Remember, the entire flight must take place in the Northern Hemisphere and the equally long legs must be flow in the designated sequence North, then East, then South. If no one can porvide the correct answer, I will post it next Saturday (20 Aug). Enjoy

Cliff Chambliss
_________________
Cliff A. Chambliss

FOR MAXIMUM ATTENTION IT'S HARD TO BEAT A GOOD BIG MISTAKE.

[mcm114]

You could start at any point just over 500 NM from of the (true) North pole. After the First leg, you would still be just south of the pole--actually the distance equal to the radius of a circle that is 500NM in circumference and centered at the N. pole. (Somebody else do the math.) When you turn and hold true East, you would then travel 500NM in a complete circle and end up where you started the second leg. Then you fly back south to the start of the first leg.

What's my prize?

[CChambliss]

6 private responses telling me it was impossible, and a public response with the correct answer.

Prize, you get to post the next question.
_________________
Cliff A. Chambliss

FOR MAXIMUM ATTENTION IT'S HARD TO BEAT A GOOD BIG MISTAKE.