2025-05-18

Aviation Waypoints

What is a waypoint?

In aviation, a waypoint is a predetermined geographical position that is defined in terms of latitude/longitude coordinates (altitude is ignored). Waypoints may be a simple named point in space or may be associated with existing navigational aids, intersections, or fixes.

Waypoints used in aviation are given five-letter names. These names are meant to be pronounceable or have a mnemonic value, so that they may easily be conveyed by voice. In some cases the names correspond to a notable feature or landmark in the area (for example, a waypoint near Newton, Iowa has the name "MATAG"; Newton was the birthplace of the appliance manufacturer Maytag).

Selected aviation waypoints

Waypoint DOWNILatitude: 57.077500 Longitude: -2.105833
Waypoint BUSCHLatitude: 50.840333 Longitude: 10.432167
Waypoint NORMALatitude: 35.983564 Longitude: 140.548325
Waypoint DAVEYLatitude: -20.408333 Longitude: 145.750000
Waypoint TILANLatitude: 31.035328 Longitude: 130.286561
Waypoint IMUSALatitude: 44.799444 Longitude: -64.758333
Waypoint DB075Latitude: 52.365086 Longitude: 13.793233
Waypoint PIKILLatitude: 56.000000 Longitude: -15.000000