Definition
A GPS or flight management system feature that creates an immediate point-to-point course from the aircraft's present position straight to a selected waypoint, bypassing any previously programmed route segments to that point.
Plain English
A button or menu option on the GPS that draws a straight line from where you are right now to a place you choose, and tells you to fly directly there.
Context Anchor
Seen on GPS and other panel navigation units when selecting an airport, a named point, or another destination to navigate toward.
Derivation
“Direct” comes from a Latin word meaning “to guide straight.” In aviation navigation, “Direct-To” keeps that idea: the system is guiding you toward one selected point from where you are now.
Why Pilots Care
It enables rapid rerouting for weather, traffic, or ATC instructions while maintaining accurate navigation guidance.
Intuition Check
Do not assume Direct-To means “I am allowed to fly straight there.” It only tells the navigation unit what point to guide you toward; permission and safe routing are still separate responsibilities.
Example Sentence 1
After receiving the clearance 'proceed direct ELDEE,' the pilot pressed the Direct-To key, selected ELDEE, and confirmed the new course.
Example Sentence 2
Activating the Direct-To function on the GPS allowed the aircraft to bypass several en route waypoints and reach the destination sooner.