Plain English Meaning

A waypoint where controllers time your arrival so aircraft reach the airport in a smooth, evenly spaced stream rather than all at once.

Full Definition

Designated points along an arrival route where Air Traffic Control measures and adjusts the flow of aircraft so they arrive at the airport spaced at the required intervals. Controllers assign speeds, altitudes, or holding to ensure each aircraft crosses the metering fix at a specific time calculated to maintain orderly arrival sequencing.

Context Anchor

Seen in instrument procedures, arrival planning, and discussions of floating waypoints or route points used for traffic .