Definition
A path and terminator leg type used in RNAV procedure coding that defines a specified course to a named fix. The leg ends at the fix, but it does not specify where it begins; the aircraft intercepts and tracks the published course inbound to the fix.
Plain English
A coded segment of an RNAV procedure that says 'fly this exact course until you reach this named point.' The endpoint is a defined fix; the start point is wherever the airplane joins the course.
Context Anchor
Seen in navigation database and flight management system descriptions of instrument approaches, departures, and missed approach segments.
Derivation
The two-letter code 'CF' stands for Course to a Fix. In path-terminator naming, the first letter describes the path flown and the second letter describes how the leg ends. Here, 'C' means a specified course is flown, and 'F' means the leg terminates at a fix.
Why Pilots Care
It provides a predictable, charted track that keeps the aircraft aligned with the procedure without requiring a direct-to fix from an arbitrary position.
Grounding Statement
Picture turning onto a drawn line and following that line until it reaches the named point.
Intuition Check
Do not read a CF leg as “go straight to the fix from wherever you are.” The course is part of the instruction; the fix is only where that leg ends.
Example Sentence 1
The final approach segment was coded as a CF leg, so the autopilot tracked the published 094° course inbound to the fix.
Example Sentence 2
The CF leg allows the aircraft to join the final approach course at the published angle rather than turning directly toward the fix.