In IFR navigation, the lead radial is best defined as which radial?

• A. The radial at which the turn from the DME arc to the inbound course is started
• B. The radial associated with the final approach fix
• C. The radial that centers a hold
• D. The radial used for the outbound course

Answer: (A)

The lead radial is the radial on which you begin the turn from a DME arc onto the inbound course. When flying a DME arc to join the final approach path, you continue along the arc until you reach the point defined by this lead radial, then initiate the turn to intercept the inbound track toward the VOR and the final approach. This specific radial marks the transition from following the arc at a constant distance to aligning with the inbound course, which is why it’s the best definition. It’s not about the final approach fix itself, nor about a hold center’s radius, nor simply the outbound course—the lead radial pinpoint the moment you switch from the arc to the inbound course.