RNAVRNP

RNAVRNP refers to the two related concepts of RNAV (area navigation) and RNP (required navigation performance) as used in aviation to define how aircraft navigate routes and procedures. RNAV enables flights to follow a path defined by waypoints rather than being tied to ground-based navaids. RNP adds a performance specification and requires on-board navigation performance monitoring and alerting, making the aircraft’s ability to stay within a specified lateral tolerance verifiable during flight.

RNAV describes navigation without a fixed reference to a single navaid, using aircraft navigation systems and databases to fly predetermined routes. It supports flexible routing, straight-in and curved segments, and is applied in en-route, terminal, and instrument procedure contexts. Typical RNAV navigation specifications seen in practice include RNAV 5, RNAV 2, RNAV 1, and RNAV 0.3, indicating the lateral accuracy achievable at a 95% confidence level and varying with airspace and procedure design.

RNP is a subset of RNAV that requires the flight crew to meet a specified navigation performance value and to maintain onboard performance monitoring and alerting. This means that the system continuously evaluates its own performance, and deviations beyond the allowed tolerance must be addressed. RNP procedures can be standard RNP approaches or more restrictive RNP AR (Authorization Required) procedures, which require operator approval, additional training, and specific authorization to fly the procedure.

Regulatory frameworks, notably ICAO’s PBN concept, standardize RNAV and RNP specifications and their use in flight planning, airspace design, and procedure publication. Operators must ensure equipment capability, crew training, and appropriate approvals to execute RNAV and RNP procedures, enabling more efficient routes, increased airspace capacity, and potential fuel savings.