Definition
The moment an aircraft passes directly over (or abeam) a non-directional beacon (NDB), indicated on the ADF by the bearing pointer swinging rapidly from the nose of the aircraft toward the tail.
Plain English
The point where you fly over the radio beacon you've been tracking. You can tell it's happened because the ADF needle, which had been pointing forward, swings around to point behind you.
Context Anchor
Seen during ADF navigation when a pilot is tracking to or from a ground radio beacon.
Derivation
Station refers to the ground-based radio station (the NDB). Passage is the act of passing it. Together: the moment of passing the station.
Why Pilots Care
It confirms the aircraft has reached the station so the pilot can begin the next leg, turn to an outbound course, or start an approach segment.
Grounding Statement
As the aircraft crosses the beacon, the beacon is no longer in front of the aircraft; it is now behind it, so the direction indication changes quickly.
Intuition Check
Station passage does not mean arriving at an airport or making a radio call. Here, “station” means the fixed ground radio beacon, and “passage” means crossing over or very near it.
Example Sentence 1
After station passage, the pilot started the approach timer and turned to the outbound heading.
Example Sentence 2
After station passage the pilot turned to intercept the outbound course.