Plain English Meaning
A way of knowing where the aircraft is by starting from a known point and tracking every movement and turn it makes from that point onward, using only equipment inside the aircraft.
Full Definition
A self-contained navigation method that determines an aircraft's position, velocity, and attitude by continuously measuring its accelerations and rotations from a known starting point, using onboard accelerometers and gyroscopes. It does not rely on any external signals such as ground stations or satellites.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedures and area navigation discussions, especially when a procedure or system description refers to navigation based on onboard equipment.
Derivation
From the Latin 'iners,' meaning inactive or resistant to motion. '' is the property that makes a resist changes in its motion. Inertial navigation works by sensing those forces (accelerations) directly, which is why it needs no outside .