This is a question for pilots. Does a waypoint signify something specific on the ground? Or does it refer to an abstract virtual location?

Asked by elbanditoroso (33157

) August 18th, 2013

Take for example this waypoint: UGAAA. It can be found here: http://jetrecord.com/fixes/UGAAA

Is there something on the ground there? An antenna? A radar radio? (It seems like the middle of a cornfield)

Or is it a virtual (i.e. not physical) coordinate that was selected on the basis of something or another? If so, on what basis? If you look at the coordinates, the numbers are out to the 4th decimal place, so it seems like it isn’t the crossing of latitudes or longitudes.

I understand the role of a waypoint – just curious about how they are chosen.

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1 Answer

Some waypoints are physical like VORs and DMEs/NDBs (equipment which uses radar and distance) and some are not physically on the ground, but established from this equipment. Eg. VOR BAT and waypoint TRIXI. TRIXI is established using the VOR BAT (actually on the ground) radial 130° distance 20miles.
Waypoints can also be the section which crosses between two VORs or NDBs.
In the UK physical equipment has a three letter abbreviation on navigation maps and waypoints which are not physical have five letters on maps.
I’m not sure if it’s the same throughout the world.

spiritual (1271

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