Definition
The aircraft's current geographic location at a given moment, expressed as a fix, latitude/longitude, bearing and distance from a navigation aid, or as a point shown on a navigation display.
Plain English
Where the aircraft is right now.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying when identifying where the aircraft is before joining a route, starting an approach, correcting a navigation error, or reporting location to air traffic control.
Why Pilots Care
It forms the reference point for all navigation calculations, waypoint sequencing, and position reporting.
Intuition Check
Do not read “present” as meaning “given” or “available.” Here, “present position” means the aircraft’s location at this moment.
Example Sentence 1
ATC issued the clearance: 'Cleared direct destination from present position.'
Example Sentence 2
The pilot updated the flight management system with the present position before takeoff.