Definition
A predefined geographical position, specified by latitude and longitude, used to define an area navigation (RNAV) route or the flight path of an aircraft. Waypoints may be named (using a five-letter identifier such as KUBBS or BOACH), or they may be defined by reference to a navigation aid plus a bearing and distance.
Plain English
A specific point on the map that you fly toward or past. It has a fixed location given by latitude and longitude, and it usually has a name made up of five letters. Pilots string waypoints together to build a route from departure to destination.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight plans, navigation displays, and instrument flying instructions when a route is built from named points.
Derivation
Combines 'way' (route or path) with 'point' (a specific location). The word literally means 'a point along the way'—which is exactly what it is in flying: a fixed spot on a route.
Why Pilots Care
Waypoints allow precise navigation without relying solely on ground-based radio aids, enabling direct routing and complex instrument procedures.
Intuition Check
A waypoint is not necessarily a runway, airport, or place you can see outside. It can be an invisible position marked only on the navigation system or chart.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the pilot turned direct to the first waypoint on the filed route.
Example Sentence 2
The aircraft crossed the waypoint at the assigned altitude during the arrival.