Area Navigation Waypoint Designation Standards

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Area Navigation Waypoint Designation Standards

R. J. Adams

The document was prepared to develop a specific waypoint designator format and to provide recommended waypoint location and identification standards. The primary objective of this program was to evaluate the impact of the Task Force concepts on waypoint designation techniques and standards. The satisfaction of this objective was accomplished by thoroughly investigating the alternative techniques for waypoint identification and communication for both charted and impromptu operations. It was necessary to review, analyze and evaluate fourteen proposed waypoint designation techniques in the course of this investigation. The ultimate choice of a waypoint designator had to include provisions for three phases of RNAV implementation with a varying mix of charted and preplanned direct routes. Second, the waypoint designator format had to be compatible with a wide range of airborne area navigation equipment, as well as, with pilot/controller communication practices . Finally, the waypoint designator technique has to accommodate diverse user applications covering the spectrum of general aviation, business and airline applications.