RNAV1

RNAV1 is a navigation specification within ICAO’s Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) framework. It defines the lateral navigation performance an aircraft’s system must be able to achieve to fly RNAV routes and procedures. In practice, RNAV1 requires the aircraft to maintain a lateral track within about 1 nautical mile of the intended path for at least 95 percent of the flight time, using approved navigation sensors and guidance.

The specification is provisioned for both en-route and terminal operations, enabling more direct routing and flexible procedure design compared with conventional ground-based navaids. Equipment typically used to meet RNAV1 includes GNSS-based navigation systems with flight management systems that can compute and monitor the required track accuracy. In many operations, additional onboard sensors, such as inertial reference components, may provide backup or enhanced performance, but core compliance is the ability to stay within the 1 NM lateral tolerance.

RNAV1 procedures can cover various segments, including en-route legs and certain terminal procedures. They form part of broader PBN implementations designed to improve efficiency, capacity, and predictability in airspace while maintaining appropriate safety margins. Airports and airspaces may designate RNAV1 as a requirement for specific routes or approaches, and operators must ensure their navigation systems and flight crews are certified to meet the specification.

RNAV1 is related to, but distinct from, RNP specifications. While RNAV1 specifies lateral performance, RNP-1 additionally requires on-board performance monitoring and containment of navigation errors, along with operator-specific authorization requirements.