Plain English Meaning

A navigation feature that handles the up-and-down part of the flight, telling the pilot (or the autopilot) what altitude to be at, and when, along the route.

Full Definition

A function of an area navigation system that computes, displays, and may guide the aircraft along a defined vertical flight path, typically expressed as altitudes at specific waypoints or as a calculated descent or climb angle between them.

Context Anchor

Pilots see vertical navigation in flight planning, satellite navigator displays, autopilot modes, and .