Plain English Meaning

A flight route that goes straight to where you're going, instead of bending around to pass over fixed navigation stations on the ground.

Full Definition

Routes flown straight from one point to another using satellite-based area navigation, rather than following the zig-zag path created by flying from one ground-based navigation station to the next. Direct flightpaths are a core benefit of NextGen and Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), allowing aircraft to fly shorter, more efficient tracks between any two points within navigation system coverage.

Context Anchor

Seen in NextGen discussions, instrument design, and route planning where improved navigation allows aircraft to fly less indirect routes.