Definition
In ADF (Automatic Direction Finder) navigation, the desired magnetic course the aircraft flies along to reach an NDB (non-directional beacon) station. The aircraft is on the correct inbound track when its heading and bearing to the station align with the planned course toward the beacon.
Plain English
The path you want to fly straight toward a ground radio station. If you stay on this path, you will arrive at the station.
Context Anchor
Seen in ADF and traditional navigation procedures when a pilot is flying toward a ground radio beacon or toward a fix.
Derivation
‘Track’ comes from the Old French ‘trac,’ meaning a path or trail left behind. In aviation it means the actual path the aircraft follows over the ground. ‘Inbound’ simply means heading toward the station rather than away from it. Together: the path the aircraft follows toward the station.
Why Pilots Care
Correct inbound tracking ensures accurate arrival at the beacon for holding patterns or instrument approaches without drifting off the intended path.
Intuition Check
Do not read track inbound as simply “turn toward it.” It means control the airplane’s path over the ground so it actually moves toward it, including any wind correction needed.
Example Sentence 1
After station passage was verified, the pilot turned outbound; on the procedure turn, she rolled out to intercept the track inbound to the beacon.
Example Sentence 2
With the heading adjusted properly the ADF needle stayed centered while tracking inbound.