Definition
Inbound describes an aircraft heading toward a specified point, fix, navaid, or airport. It is used to describe the direction of flight relative to a reference, typically when approaching or returning to a location.
Plain English
Heading toward a place — usually a navigation fix, airport, or station — rather than away from it.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation notices, chart notes, route descriptions, and radio or procedure wording where direction toward a point matters.
Derivation
From 'in' (toward) and 'bound' (going to a destination, from Old Norse 'búinn' meaning 'prepared, ready to go'). Together: going toward something. The opposite is 'outbound' — heading away.
Why Pilots Care
Inbound and outbound legs are critical in holding patterns, procedure turns, and instrument approaches. Confusing the two can put an aircraft on the wrong course at the wrong altitude.
Intuition Check
Inbound does not only mean “arriving at an airport.” It means moving toward whatever point or reference is being discussed.
Example Sentence 1
Cessna 172, report inbound to the airport on the 45 for runway 27.