Definition
A point defined by any combination of courses, radials, or bearings of two or more navigational aids. Intersections are used as fixes along airways, on approaches, and on departures, and are identified by a unique five-letter name (for example, BOACH, DRAKO, KEDIB).
Plain English
A named point in the sky, formed where two navigation signals cross. Pilots use it as a checkpoint along a route or procedure.
Context Anchor
Seen on aeronautical charts, instrument procedures, flight plans, and air traffic control clearances.
Derivation
From Latin 'intersecare,' meaning 'to cut between.' Two navigation lines cut across each other, and the point where they cross is the intersection. The aviation meaning keeps the same idea — a point defined by two crossing lines, just drawn by radio signals instead of pencil.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must identify intersections correctly to follow taxi clearances, hold short of runways, and prevent runway incursions.
Intuition Check
Do not think of an intersection only as a road crossing on the ground. In this aviation use, it is often a fixed point in the air made by crossing navigation references.
Example Sentence 1
ATC cleared the flight direct to the BOACH intersection, then to join the airway eastbound.
Example Sentence 2
We continued straight past the first intersection and turned right at the next one to reach the ramp.