Definition
A specific radial used as a navigation reference, defined as the 118-degree radial from the Salinas VOR (identifier SLI). A radial is a magnetic course line projected outward from a VOR ground station. SLI R-118 therefore identifies the line of position extending from the Salinas VOR on a magnetic bearing of 118 degrees.
Plain English
An imaginary line drawn outward from the Salinas navigation station at a compass direction of 118 degrees. Pilots use this line as a path to fly along or as a reference to define a point in space.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedure descriptions, leg coding examples, and charted navigation references where a route or fix is tied to a VOR/VORTAC radial.
Derivation
SLI' is the three-letter station identifier for the Salinas VOR. 'R' stands for 'radial,' from the Latin 'radius' meaning a ray or spoke extending outward from a center point. The number that follows is the magnetic bearing of that radial in degrees. So 'SLI R-118' literally reads as 'the 118-degree ray outward from Salinas VOR.'
Why Pilots Care
Provides an exact location for altitude, speed, or course changes during IFR navigation.
Analogy
Think of SLI as the hub of a wheel and R-118 as one spoke pointing out from the hub in the 118-degree direction.
Intuition Check
Do not read SLI R-118 as a heading you must automatically fly. It names the 118-degree line from SLI; the course you fly depends on whether you are going outbound or inbound on that line.
Example Sentence 1
The procedure crosses SLI R-118 at 4,000 feet before turning onto the final approach course.
Example Sentence 2
The leg terminates at SLI R-118 before turning to the next fix.