Definition
The procedure of flying a chosen heading to cross and join a specific bearing to or from an NDB, so the aircraft transitions from its present position onto a desired track relative to the station.
Plain English
Flying a heading that will bring you onto a particular line into or out of an NDB, then turning to follow that line.
Context Anchor
Used in ADF navigation when a pilot is trying to join and follow a specific line to or from a ground-based radio beacon.
Derivation
Intercept' comes from the Latin 'intercipere,' meaning to seize or catch between. In navigation it captures the idea of catching a bearing line as you cross it, rather than just flying toward the station.
Why Pilots Care
Incorrect intercept angles produce tracking errors, wasted fuel, and potential missed approaches when using ADF.
Grounding Statement
Picture the bearing as an invisible line on the ground; intercepting it means crossing toward that line on purpose and then turning to stay on it.
Intuition Check
Intercepting bearings does not mean simply pointing the nose at the station. It means joining a selected direction line to or from the station and then tracking that line.
Example Sentence 1
After departure, the pilot turned to a 30-degree intercept heading to join the 045 bearing inbound to the NDB.
Example Sentence 2
During the exercise the student practiced intercepting bearings both inbound and outbound from the station.