Sebastian :
The claim that commercial pilots “know the Earth is flat” is not supported by any scientific evidence and is contradicted by well-established physics, navigation, and observation. Modern aviation relies on principles that only work on a roughly spherical Earth. For example, long-distance flight routes (great circle routes) are calculated based on a curved surface, which significantly reduces travel distance compared to flat maps. Pilots and flight management systems routinely use these calculations.
Additionally, the Global Positioning System (GPS), which is essential for modern navigation, depends on satellites orbiting a spherical Earth. The system would not function accurately if the Earth were flat. Time zone differences, varying sunrise and sunset times, and the way stars change position depending on latitude are also consistent with a rotating sphere.
From a physics perspective, gravity pulls matter toward the center of mass, naturally forming a sphere. This is observed not only on Earth but also in planets, moons, and stars. Furthermore, images and measurements from satellites, space missions, and even high-altitude balloons consistently confirm Earth's curvature
In summary, aviation, physics, and direct observation all provide overwhelming, consistent evidence that the Earth is an oblate spheroid, not flat.
2026-06-22 12:44:52