Plain English Meaning

Equipment that lets the aircraft fly straight at a radio signal until it reaches the source. The aircraft keeps turning to point at the station, so wind can push it off a straight ground track, but it will still arrive at the station.

Full Definition

The ability of an aircraft's navigation equipment to track directly toward a radio station or navigation aid by continuously pointing the aircraft at the signal source, regardless of wind. The aircraft follows a curved path over the ground that ends at the station.

Context Anchor

Seen when evaluating emergency airports and the navigation equipment or signals that could help a pilot get to one.

Derivation

From 'home,' meaning to head for a known destination — the same sense as a pigeon returning to its loft. The equipment 'homes in' on a signal the way the bird homes in on its .