Which statement best reflects how a waypoint can be defined in the FMC database?

• A. Lat and long, place with bearing/dist, place with bearing
• B. Lat/long only
• C. Bearing and distance only
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Waypoints in an FMC database can be defined in multiple ways, not just a single format. A waypoint can be stored as exact latitude and longitude, giving a precise position on the globe. It can also be defined as a place with bearing and distance from a known reference point, which lets you specify a point relative to another fix or navaid. Likewise, a definition using a bearing from a reference (often with distance or implicit placement along that bearing) provides another method to locate the waypoint. Because the FMC database supports both absolute coordinates and relative geometry to other fixes, all of these methods are valid ways to define a waypoint.