What is the role of waypoints in RNAV?

Waypoints play a crucial role in Area Navigation (RNAV) as they serve as reference points for navigation during flight. These predefined geographical locations facilitate the aircraft's position, allowing pilots and onboard navigation systems to determine their path effectively. Waypoints enable more efficient routing compared to traditional navigation methods, where aircraft would rely on ground-based navigational aids.

By using waypoints, pilots can create direct flight paths, optimizing fuel efficiency and time while navigating through airspace. The use of RNAV waypoints is particularly beneficial in congested or complex air traffic environments as they help streamline the flow of air traffic and reduce the potential for conflicts.

In contrast to other options, waypoints are not solely fixed landmarks for visual flight rules (VFR) navigation, they do not specifically determine mandatory altitude changes, nor are they limited to airport connections. Their primary purpose is to act as navigational references that enhance the overall capabilities of RNAV systems, allowing for greater flexibility and precision in flight planning and execution.