Definition
A waypoint in an area navigation (RNAV) or flight management system route at which the aircraft is programmed to change heading and proceed toward the next waypoint. The Turn Wp marks the geographic point where one leg of the route ends and the next begins.
Plain English
A point along a planned flight path where the aircraft turns to head toward the next point. Reaching the Turn Wp tells the system it is time to start turning onto the new course.
Context Anchor
Seen on GPS navigators, moving-map displays, and flight-planning routes.
Derivation
From 'turn' (to change direction) and 'waypoint' (a defined position along a route). The shortened 'Wp' is standard notation on navigation displays where space is limited.
Why Pilots Care
Allows the aircraft to start the turn early enough to roll out on the new course without overshooting.
Intuition Check
Do not read Wp as a separate instruction by itself. Here, Wp means waypoint: a named point used for navigation.
Example Sentence 1
As the aircraft approached the Turn Wp, the autopilot began the programmed bank onto the next leg.
Example Sentence 2
We inserted a turn WP between the two fixes to keep the route clear of the restricted area.