Definition
In ATC instructions, a direction to continue on the current heading after takeoff or after a missed approach, without making any turn until further instructions are received.
Plain English
Keep flying the way the airplane is currently pointed. Do not turn until the controller tells you to.
Context Anchor
Used in taxi instructions, departure instructions, traffic pattern work, and emergency planning after takeoff.
Why Pilots Care
Ensures runway alignment, traffic separation, and a safe landing option in the event of an engine failure shortly after takeoff.
Intuition Check
Do not read “straight ahead” as “toward the destination” or “toward the runway from wherever you are.” In aviation use, it means continue in the direction you are already moving or tracking, with no intentional turn.
Example Sentence 1
Tower instructed the pilot to climb straight ahead to 2,000 feet before turning on course.
Example Sentence 2
In the event of an engine failure after takeoff, the pilot must land straight ahead rather than attempting a turn back to the runway.