On a North Pacific voyage, you wish to sail the shortest distance from LAT 46°05'N, LONG 124°00'W to LAT 44°00'N, LONG 150°00'E. You do not want to exceed 50°N latitude due to anticipated fog conditions. Which voyage plot meets these requirements? (Use gnomonic tracking chart WOXZC 5270)

Correct Answer: Option D — A great circle to 50°N, 153°W, parallel sailing to 50°N, 173°W, then a great circle to arrival

When a great circle track crosses a latitude restricted by environmental hazards like fog, navigation requires executing a composite great circle. This involves a great circle from departure vertex to the limiting parallel (50°N), sailing along that parallel, and exiting via another great circle to arrival.