Definition
The practice of beginning a turn before reaching a waypoint or fix so the aircraft rolls out established on the next course, rather than overshooting and then correcting back. In RNAV and FMS-equipped aircraft, the system computes the lead distance automatically based on groundspeed, bank angle, and the change in course required.
Plain English
Starting the turn a little early so you end up smoothly lined up on the next leg, instead of flying past the corner and having to swing back.
Context Anchor
Seen when following a GPS route, an instrument procedure, or autopilot guidance that turns toward the next course.
Derivation
Anticipation comes from a Latin idea meaning “to take before” or “to act ahead of time.” That fits the aviation meaning: the turn is begun before the route point, not after crossing it.
Why Pilots Care
Proper turn anticipation prevents overshooting course changes, maintains procedure compliance, and reduces pilot workload during instrument flight.
Analogy
Like a driver beginning to turn the wheel slightly before reaching the corner, so the car ends up neatly in the new lane instead of swinging wide.
Grounding Statement
An airplane turns in a curve, so the turn may need to begin before the exact point where the next course starts.
Intuition Check
Turn anticipation does not mean guessing or turning whenever it feels early enough. It means using a planned lead point so the aircraft joins the next course smoothly.
Example Sentence 1
The FMS uses turn anticipation to begin the right turn about a mile before the fix, rolling out smoothly on the next airway.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot began the turn at the displayed lead point and rolled out exactly on the next airway radial.