Plain English Meaning

A network of high-level routes that lets suitably equipped aircraft fly directly between named points using onboard navigation, instead of having to follow the older zig-zag paths between ground radio stations.

Full Definition

A structure of fixed and flexible RNAV routes used in the high-altitude airspace of the United States (generally at and above 18,000 feet MSL up to FL450), allowing properly equipped aircraft to navigate point-to-point between waypoints rather than along ground-based VOR airways. It includes published Q-routes (high altitude RNAV routes) and supports random RNAV routing where permits.