Airplanes navigate by constantly adjusting their course to account for the Earth's rotation and atmospheric conditions, rather than following a spiral path across latitudes. The Coriolis effect, while present, is minor compared to other navigational factors like wind and air traffic control, which pilots prioritize. Modern navigation systems, including GPS and flight management systems, help pilots plot optimal routes, often following great circle paths. The discussion highlights that while both airplanes and projectiles are influenced by similar physical principles, their operational contexts differ significantly. Ultimately, the Earth's rotation does not necessitate constant course corrections for airplanes as they fly within the rotating atmosphere.
