Definition
DCT (direct) is a routing instruction or clearance element indicating a straight-line flight path from the aircraft's present position, or from a specified fix, to a named fix, navaid, waypoint, or airport, bypassing intermediate published route segments.
Plain English
DCT means "go straight to that point" instead of following the published route. It tells the pilot to fly in a straight line from where they are (or from a named point) to a specific destination point.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight plans, air traffic control clearances, route descriptions, and official flight notices where routes are written in shortened form.
Derivation
Direct comes from the Latin directus, meaning "made straight" or "set in a straight line." In aviation, it keeps that original sense literally — a straight-line path between two points rather than a routing that follows airways or procedures.
Why Pilots Care
Direct routing saves time and fuel by avoiding unnecessary detours or waypoints.
Intuition Check
Direct does not mean “roughly toward” or “take any path you want.” Here it means the written route goes from one specified point straight to the next specified point, while still following the clearance and flying safely.
Example Sentence 1
ATC issued the clearance "N123AB, cleared direct DRAKO," so the pilot selected DRAKO in the GPS and turned on course.
Example Sentence 2
When airways are closed, controllers may clear the flight DCT between fixes.