Definition
A coded element within an RNAV procedure database that defines a single leg of a flight path by specifying both the type of path to be flown (such as a heading, course, or arc) and the event that ends that leg (such as reaching an altitude, a fix, or an intercept). Each leg in an RNAV departure, arrival, or approach is built from one of these path-terminator codes (for example, TF, CF, DF, VA, CA, RF), and the avionics use the field to compute and fly the leg automatically.
Plain English
It is the piece of database code that tells the navigation system two things at once: how to fly this part of the route and when this part is finished. Together those two pieces define one leg of the procedure.
Context Anchor
Seen in discussions of RNAV and GPS procedure coding, especially when explaining how a navigator follows each leg of an instrument departure, arrival, or approach.
Derivation
"Path" describes the shape of the leg being flown, and "terminator" comes from the Latin terminare, meaning to end or set a limit. So the field literally describes the path, plus the thing that ends it.
Why Pilots Care
Correct path and terminator coding ensures the aircraft follows the procedure exactly as published, maintaining obstacle clearance and airspace compliance.
Analogy
It is like an instruction that says, “walk straight down this hallway until you reach the blue door.” The path is “walk straight down this hallway,” and the terminator is “until you reach the blue door.”
Intuition Check
Do not read “field” as an open area on the ground. Here it means a specific place in a data record. Do not read “terminator” as something that destroys the path. It means the thing that ends that leg.
Example Sentence 1
The first leg of the departure used a heading-to-altitude path and terminator field, so the autopilot held runway heading until reaching 800 feet before turning on course.
Example Sentence 2
An FA path and terminator keeps the aircraft on the final approach course until reaching the specified altitude.