Plain English Meaning

Specific spots in the sky that pilots can identify using signals from ground radio stations. They mark known points along a route.

Full Definition

Geographic points along an airway or route that are identified by reference to ground-based radio navigation aids, such as VORs, NDBs, or DME, and used to define position, route segments, and altitude requirements.

Context Anchor

Seen on instrument en route charts and in minimum en route altitude discussions, especially when a route segment is described from one fix to the next.

Derivation

Fix' comes from the idea of 'fixing' your position — pinning it down to a known spot. 'Radio' indicates that the position is using signals rather than or .