Definition
The procedure of flying an aircraft from its present position onto a desired course or track, using a chosen intercept angle to close the distance between the aircraft and the course line until the aircraft is established on it.
Plain English
Flying from where you are now onto the line you want to be tracking. You pick an angle that lets you cut across to the line, then turn to follow it once you reach it.
Context Anchor
Used during navigation when joining a planned route, an airway, or an approach path after starting from a position that is not already on it.
Derivation
‘Intercept’ comes from the Latin intercipere, ‘to seize between.’ In navigation, the aircraft is ‘seizing’ the course line by flying a path that meets it at an angle, rather than running parallel to it.
Why Pilots Care
Correct intercept technique prevents overshooting the desired course, reduces workload, and keeps the aircraft on published routing or approach segments.
Analogy
It is like entering a highway from an on-ramp. You do not drive straight at your destination; you angle in, merge with the road, and then continue along it.
Intuition Check
Course intercept does not mean pointing directly at the destination. It means flying at an angle to meet the desired path, then turning to follow that path.
Example Sentence 1
ATC cleared the pilot to turn left heading 040 to intercept the airway and resume own navigation.
Example Sentence 2
A 45-degree intercept angle let the aircraft join the airway centerline smoothly without overshooting.