What is the significance of a lead-point during a course intercept?

The significance of the lead-point during a course intercept lies in its role in determining the proper heading required to make the turn toward the desired course. When navigating, especially in aviation, pilots need to establish a flight path that allows for a smooth and timely transition onto a new course. The lead-point indicates where the aircraft should begin the turn, ensuring that it intercepts the course at the correct angle and heading. This is especially important in situations where the aircraft is not flying directly towards the course, as it helps to account for factors like wind drift and the time it takes to maneuver the aircraft toward the new heading.

While the other options mention other navigational aspects like altitude maintenance, time calculations, or distance measures, they do not specifically address the function of the lead-point in guiding the pilot's heading adjustment during an intercept, making the correct answer critical for understanding navigation techniques in aviation.