Glossary Navigation & Airspace

Waypoint (WPT)

Definition

A specified geographical location used to define an aircraft's navigation route

Related Terms

Airway (AWY)

A defined corridor of airspace connecting two navigation points, used for en-route travel

Flight Plan (FPL)

A document filed with air traffic control detailing the intended route, altitude, and timing of a flight

GPS Navigation (GPS)

The satellite-based navigation system used by aircraft to determine precise position

Standard Instrument Departure (SID)

A published flight procedure followed by aircraft departing an airport on an instrument flight plan

Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR)

A published flight procedure followed by aircraft arriving at an airport

VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR)

A ground-based radio navigation system providing bearing information to aircraft

Mentioned In

How Flight Routes Are Planned: Airways, Waypoints, and Navigation

…specific geographic positions used to define routes. Every waypoint has a five-letter identifier chosen to be memorable or…

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Waypoint (WPT)?

A specified geographical location used to define an aircraft's navigation route

What does WPT stand for?

WPT stands for Waypoint (WPT). A specified geographical location used to define an aircraft's navigation route

How does Waypoint (WPT) relate to other aviation concepts?

Waypoint (WPT) is closely related to Airway and Flight Plan, among other key aviation concepts.

More in Navigation & Airspace

Airspace Classification Airway (AWY) Approach Procedure Area Navigation (RNAV) Decision Height (DH) Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) Flight Information Region (FIR) Flight Level (FL) Glideslope (GS) GPS Navigation (GPS) Instrument Landing System (ILS) Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) Missed Approach Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Squawk Code Standard Instrument Departure (SID) Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) Transition Altitude (TA) Transponder (XPDR) VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR)

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