Definition
The automatic process by which an area navigation (RNAV) or flight management system advances from one waypoint to the next along a programmed route, switching its active guidance to the new leg as each waypoint is reached or passed.
Plain English
It's how the navigation computer automatically moves from one point on your route to the next, so it always knows which leg of the trip you're currently flying.
Context Anchor
Seen on panel navigators when flying a stored route, arrival, or approach.
Derivation
Waypoint comes from the idea of a point along the way. Sequencing comes from the Latin sequi, 'to follow.' Together: the system follows the points in the order you loaded them.
Why Pilots Care
It keeps the aircraft on the intended path during complex routes or approaches, reducing pilot workload and preventing navigation errors.
Analogy
It is like a playlist moving from one song to the next. If it does not advance, it keeps pointing back to what you already finished.
Intuition Check
Do not read “sequencing” as only a list of waypoints in order. In this context, it means the navigator actively advances its guidance from one waypoint to the next.
Example Sentence 1
As the aircraft crossed the fix, the GPS performed waypoint sequencing and began guiding toward the next leg.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot monitored waypoint sequencing during the approach to confirm the navigation system was advancing correctly.