Definition
A predetermined geographical position, defined by latitude and longitude coordinates, used for route definition or progress reporting in area navigation (RNAV) and GPS-based flying. Waypoints may be named fixes (five-letter identifiers like KEDDY or BOACH) or defined by reference to a navaid with bearing and distance.
Plain English
A specific point in the sky, fixed by coordinates, that a pilot uses as a turn point or checkpoint along a planned route.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight plans, GPS navigators, moving-map displays, and route clearances.
Derivation
From 'way' (route or path) and 'point' (a fixed location). The term simply means 'a point along the way' — a marker on a route.
Why Pilots Care
Waypoints form the backbone of modern GPS routing, RNAV procedures, and direct-to navigation.
Intuition Check
A waypoint is not always an airport, landmark, or physical object. It can be an invisible position in space defined by coordinates and shown in the navigator.
Example Sentence 1
After takeoff, the GPS sequenced to the next waypoint and the autopilot turned the aircraft on course.
Example Sentence 2
ATC cleared the flight direct to the waypoint after the holding pattern.