What does lateral navigation (LNAV) primarily refer to?

Lateral navigation (LNAV) primarily refers to navigation along the horizontal plane, which is essential in the context of aircraft navigation. This aspect of navigation involves following a specified course or path that is typically represented by waypoints or routes on the horizontal plane, which aligns with how pilots navigate between waypoints during flight.

When using LNAV, pilots rely on systems such as GPS or flight management systems to maintain lateral guidance, ensuring that the aircraft stays on the intended route. This is particularly important for managing approaches and departures, as well as for navigating through controlled airspace.

The other concepts, such as vertical flight paths (which would relate to altitude management), ground speeds and winds (which pertain to speed and drift correction but do not define lateral navigation), and visual references (which are more related to visual flight rules rather than specific lateral navigation systems), do not capture the essence of lateral navigation's focus on maintaining flight along a horizontal trajectory. Therefore, understanding LNAV as primarily relating to lateral navigation on the horizontal plane is key to effective flight planning and execution.