Definition
Published, FAA-approved points in the air over identifiable ground features where a pilot can check the accuracy of a VOR receiver while in flight. Each checkpoint specifies the VOR station to use, the radial the aircraft should be on when crossing the point at a given altitude, and a tolerance (commonly +/- 6 degrees) within which the indicated bearing must fall.
Plain English
Specific spots in the sky, listed by the FAA, where you can fly over a known landmark and confirm your VOR is showing the right bearing. If the reading is within the allowed error, the receiver is good to use.
Context Anchor
Seen during VOR receiver accuracy checks before using VOR navigation for instrument flight.
Derivation
Certified means officially approved by the FAA. Airborne means the check is done in flight, not on the ground. Checkpoint comes from the idea of a fixed reference point used to verify something is correct. Together: an officially approved in-flight reference point for verifying VOR accuracy.
Why Pilots Care
Confirms VOR navigation accuracy before relying on it for instrument flight.
Intuition Check
Do not assume this means any landmark you choose while flying. In this context, certified means the checkpoint itself is officially approved and published for the VOR accuracy check.
Example Sentence 1
Before the IFR cross-country, she flew over a certified airborne checkpoint, confirmed the VOR reading was within tolerance, and logged the check.
Example Sentence 2
Before an IFR cross-country, the student used a certified airborne checkpoint to verify the VOR receiver was within tolerance.