Definition
A path and terminator leg type used in RNAV procedure coding that defines a specified course to a specified fix. The leg ends when the aircraft reaches that fix, having flown the published course (track) to it. CF legs require a defined course value and a terminating fix, and are commonly used to join a procedure onto a specific inbound track to a waypoint.
Plain English
A coded segment of an RNAV procedure that says: fly this exact course until you reach this named point, then the segment ends.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedure design, avionics flight plans, and FAA discussions of path and terminator legs.
Derivation
The name describes the two pieces that define the leg: a Course (the track to fly) and a Fix (the point where the leg ends). Naming each leg type by its path and its terminator is the convention used across all ARINC 424 leg types.
Why Pilots Care
Correct execution keeps the aircraft on the published route and ensures proper alignment with the final approach course.
Intuition Check
Course does not mean a school class here; it means the intended path over the ground. Fix does not mean repair here; it means a named navigation point.
Example Sentence 1
The approach begins with a CF leg requiring the crew to track inbound on the 090° course until reaching the initial approach fix.
Example Sentence 2
After the CF leg the aircraft begins its descent once established on the inbound course past the fix.