Definition
An RNAV (area navigation) function that creates a straight-line course from the aircraft's present position directly to a selected waypoint or fix, bypassing any intermediate points in the active flight plan.
Plain English
A feature in the navigation system that lets the pilot tell the aircraft, 'go straight from where I am now to this point,' skipping anything in between.
Context Anchor
Seen when using GPS or area navigation equipment, and when air traffic control clears a pilot to go directly to a named fix.
Why Pilots Care
ATC frequently issues 'direct to' clearances to shorten routing or reposition traffic. Knowing how to enter a Direct-To-Fix quickly and correctly is a core RNAV skill, and getting it wrong can lead to flying off course or busting an airspace boundary.
Intuition Check
Direct-To-Fix does not mean flying any shortcut that seems convenient. It means navigating directly to one specific selected navigation point.
Example Sentence 1
After being cleared 'direct CIVET,' the pilot used the FMS Direct-To-Fix function to navigate straight to the waypoint.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot selected direct-to-fix on the GPS and bypassed the remaining airway legs.