Definition
A navigation capability used by suitably equipped RNAV aircraft that allows ATC to clear the aircraft directly from its present position to a specific fix, without requiring the route to follow published airways or named waypoints in between.
Plain English
A direct routing from where you are now to a chosen fix, flown using onboard area navigation equipment rather than following the usual airway structure.
Context Anchor
Seen in route descriptions, flight planning, and controller-related glossary material when a route is described by the points it connects.
Why Pilots Care
Shortens flight distance, saves fuel, and reduces time en route when traffic and airspace allow the direct routing.
Intuition Check
Do not read Point to Point as a vague direction from one area to another. In aviation use, the points are specific, identifiable places used for navigation or routing.
Example Sentence 1
Center cleared us point to point direct ZUMAY, bypassing the next two airway segments.
Example Sentence 2
We requested point to point direct after takeoff to avoid the longer airway routing.