Which type of navigation involves following a predetermined route with specified waypoints?

Area navigation is the type of navigation that involves following a predetermined route with specified waypoints. This method allows pilots to fly directly from one point to another without needing to navigate along airways or through specific routes defined by ground-based navigational aids.

In area navigation, waypoints are defined geographic locations that are used in flight planning and can be programmed into the aircraft’s navigation system. This capability enhances flexibility for flight routes, allowing for more efficient air traffic management and reduced flight times.

By using area navigation, pilots can optimize their routes and improve navigation accuracy, which is particularly beneficial in busy airspace or when flying to airports that may not have ground-based navigational aids available. This type of navigation is essential for modern aviation, as it supports advanced navigation systems like GPS and RNAV (Area Navigation systems).