A “rhumb line” is
defined by Dictionary.
com as “an imaginary
line on the earth’s
surface cutting all
meridians at the same
angle, used as the
standard method of
plotting a ship’s course
on a chart.”
Marcotte added that great circle routes require constant changes in
heading.
“They are most useful beyond the equatorial regions and for
distances greater than several hundred miles,” he explained. “Longdistance air traffic uses great circle routes routinely, saving time and
fuel. Navigational radio signals also follow great circle paths.”
By this point in his career, Marcotte said he is extremely familiar
and comfortable with the flights to China and Sydney, Australia. Of the
two, the journey to China is “kind a piece of cake,” he said.
How so?
Just like passengers experience jet lag on those international flights,
pilots feel the same effects, Marcotte said. On the flights to China, he
will leave Los Angeles at 10 a.m. and get back at 4 p.m. on the third
day.
“It’s easier on your body clock,” he said. On the flight to Sydney,
conversely, Marcotte will leave at 11 a.m. and arrive in the morning,
and then leave at 4 p.m. the next day and return at 7 a.m.
“You get beat up on those trips,” Marcotte added.
Marcotte is now at the point in his life where he’s pondering the
next step, after nearly 40 years as a pilot.
What would he like to do?
“Ultimately I’d love to retire in Yankton,” he said. “It’s such a nice
town.”
Marcotte said he is rather familiar with the Yankton area: His father
(now deceased) lived in Yankton, as does an uncle and two cousins.
“I didn’t get out there often enough in the past, but now I’m actually
in the house-hunting process out there,” Marcotte said.
From what he remembers about Yankton and the surrounding area,
it feels more laid-back and comfortable, he added.
“I remember it was such a nice area, and I fell in love with it,”
Marcotte said. “Flying and working out of busy cities has worn on me.
“I just miss the real USA, if you will.”
And that’s what Yankton offers, he added.
“It’s definitely a different vibe than where I live,” Marcotte said. “In a
larger city like out here, it seems more dog-eat-dog and people maybe
don’t care for each other as much.
“But in Yankton, everyone cares for each other.” n
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