Definition
An operating mode of a VOR/DME RNAV system in which the unit calculates and displays course guidance to a pilot-defined waypoint rather than to the underlying VOR station. In this mode, course deviation, distance, and to/from indications are referenced to the waypoint, allowing the aircraft to fly a direct track to a point in space defined by a bearing and distance from a VORTAC.
Plain English
A setting on the navigation unit that tells it to give you guidance to a custom point you've created, instead of to the VOR ground station itself.
Context Anchor
Seen when using VOR/DME RNAV equipment or navigation receiver controls in instrument flying, especially when changing between direct station guidance and waypoint-based guidance.
Derivation
RNAV stands for area navigation. The word area is used because the system lets a pilot navigate directly to any point within the service area of a VORTAC, not just to the station itself. Mode simply means the operating setting the unit is currently in.
Why Pilots Care
It permits direct routing between waypoints, shortens flight paths, and reduces reliance on flying over or around individual ground stations.
Grounding Statement
RNAV mode changes what the navigation display is guiding you toward: the waypoint you selected, not just the navigation station itself.
Intuition Check
RNAV mode does not mean the airplane is automatically flying the route. It means the navigation unit is set to calculate and display guidance to a selected area-navigation point.
Example Sentence 1
After loading the waypoint, the pilot switched the unit to RNAV mode so the course deviation indicator would show guidance directly to the new fix.
Example Sentence 2
With the unit in RNAV mode, the distance and course to the next waypoint remained steady on the display throughout the leg.