Definition
Specific geographic locations of an aircraft determined by reference to two or more navigation sources, such as the intersection of bearings from two ADF stations, a VOR radial crossing an NDB bearing, or other combinations that uniquely identify the aircraft's position over the ground.
Plain English
Knowing exactly where you are by lining up information from two or more navigation aids that cross at your location.
Context Anchor
Seen in navigation and automatic direction finder discussions, especially when a pilot uses radio station directions, landmarks, or chart information to locate the aircraft.
Derivation
From the Latin 'figere,' meaning 'to fasten' or 'to fix in place.' A position fix 'fastens' the aircraft to a specific spot on the chart rather than leaving it somewhere along a line of bearing.
Why Pilots Care
Reliable position fixes confirm the aircraft's location, prevent navigation drift, and support safe routing decisions.
Grounding Statement
A position fix turns uncertain movement through the air into a known point on the chart at a known time.
Intuition Check
A position fix does not mean repairing the aircraft’s position. In aviation, a fix is a location that has been determined and pinned down.
Example Sentence 1
By tuning two ADF stations and plotting the bearing to each, the pilot established a position fix over an unfamiliar stretch of terrain.
Example Sentence 2
Regular position fixes during the flight confirmed the aircraft stayed on the planned route.