Plain English Meaning

The compass direction that points from where you are now straight to the station you're flying to.

Full Definition

The magnetic direction, measured in degrees, from the aircraft to a non-directional beacon (NDB) or other navigation station. It is the course the pilot flies to track directly toward the station.

Context Anchor

Seen in instrument flying when a pilot is intercepting or following a radio-navigation line toward a station or fix.

Derivation

Inbound' means moving toward a destination, and 'bearing' comes from the old sense of 'carrying' or 'pointing toward.' Together, the inbound bearing is the direction that points you toward the station you want to reach.