Definition
NRST is a function on a glass cockpit primary flight display (PFD) or GPS navigator that lists the airports closest to the aircraft's current position, typically sorted by distance, along with bearing, runway length, frequency, and other selected data. Activating NRST gives the pilot fast access to nearby airport information, most often used when diverting, planning a precautionary landing, or responding to an emergency.
Plain English
A button or page on the cockpit display that instantly shows the airports closest to where you are right now, with the basic information you need to fly to one of them.
Context Anchor
Seen on modern cockpit displays, including a primary flight display, when a pilot needs to quickly find a nearby airport for planning, diversion, or an emergency.
Why Pilots Care
Provides immediate options for diversion or emergency landing without leaving the primary display.
Grounding Statement
Selecting NRST is like asking the aircraft’s navigation system, “What airports are closest to me right now?”
Intuition Check
Nearest does not mean best. It means closest by position; the pilot still must consider runway length, weather, terrain, fuel, and aircraft capability.
Example Sentence 1
When the oil pressure dropped, the pilot pressed NRST on the PFD and selected the closest airport with a paved runway.
Example Sentence 2
During the instrument approach briefing, the crew used NRST to identify a suitable alternate nearby.