Definition
A defined geographic point associated with a runway, used in RNAV (area navigation) and GPS-based instrument approach procedures. A Runway Waypoint typically marks the runway threshold or another fixed point along the runway centerline, and is coded into the navigation database so the aircraft's flight management system can guide the aircraft to that exact location during the final segment of an RNAV approach.
Plain English
A specific point on or near the runway that the aircraft's GPS uses as a target during an RNAV approach — usually the start of the runway.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedure databases, flight plan waypoint lists, and RNAV approach discussions.
Derivation
Waypoint' combines 'way' (the path of travel) and 'point' (a specific location). A runway waypoint is simply a waypoint placed at a defined position on the runway itself, rather than out along the approach path.
Why Pilots Care
It lets the navigation system guide the aircraft precisely to the runway during instrument approaches.
Intuition Check
Do not read RWY WP as the whole runway. It is a single navigation point associated with a runway, and it is not a clearance to land.
Example Sentence 1
The RNAV (GPS) approach uses the Runway Waypoint at the threshold of Runway 27 as the final point of guidance.
Example Sentence 2
The crew confirmed the RWY WP coordinates matched the published runway end before starting the approach.