Definition
A path and terminator leg type used in RNAV procedure coding that defines a specific magnetic course to be flown until the aircraft crosses a defined VOR radial. The leg ends at the point where the flown course intersects the named radial from a specified VOR.
Plain English
Fly a set compass course until you cross a particular line drawn out from a VOR station. The leg ends the moment you hit that line.
Context Anchor
Seen in RNAV and instrument procedure coding, especially when a published route segment is defined by flying a course until crossing a VOR radial.
Derivation
The two-letter code CR comes from Course to Radial. In ARINC 424 leg coding, the first letter describes the path being flown (C = Course) and the second letter describes how the leg ends (R = Radial termination). Knowing this pattern makes other leg types like CF, CD, and CI easier to read.
Why Pilots Care
It provides a precise, predictable point where one navigation segment ends and the next begins, keeping the aircraft on the published procedure.
Analogy
It is like driving straight down a road until you cross a county line. The road direction matters, but the stopping point is the line you cross, not a named building or address.
Grounding Statement
The key idea is: hold the assigned course until the aircraft crosses the specified radial.
Intuition Check
Do not read “termination” as meaning the whole procedure ends. Here it means this one leg ends when the specified radial is reached.
Example Sentence 1
The departure procedure is coded with a CR leg requiring the pilot to fly a 090° course until intercepting the 180° radial from the ABC VOR.
Example Sentence 2
After completing the CR leg the navigation system sequenced to the next waypoint on the arrival.