RNAVgebonden

RNAVgebonden, often written RNAV-gebonden, is a term used in the Dutch aviation sector to designate procedures, routes, or airspace segments that require RNAV navigation. It indicates that the navigation performance depends on area navigation rather than traditional ground-based navaids such as VOR or NDB. RNAVgebonden segments are defined by a series of waypoints and specified track and altitude requirements, allowing more direct routing and complex lateral paths.

RNAV, or Area Navigation, relies on satellite-based systems (typically GNSS) and onboard navigation databases to determine the aircraft’s position and follow a predefined path. This enables precision, flexibility, and efficiency in route design, as aircraft can fly direct between waypoints and execute curved or offset paths that would be difficult with conventional navaids. An RNAVgebonden procedure often forms part of performance-based navigation (PBN) and may be used for en route routes, arrivals, and some approaches.

Operationally, RNAVgebonden means that aircraft and operators must be equipped and certified for RNAV navigation and that air traffic control may assign or require RNAV-based procedures. Operators plan flights with RNAV-enabled avionics, and crews must comply with the navigation performance requirements and any altitude or speed constraints embedded in the procedure.

Regulatory context places RNAVgebonden procedures within PBN mandates and ICAO/EASA frameworks. They aim to improve airspace efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and maintain safety through standardized RNAV navigation specifications. See also RNAV, PBN, and RNP for related concepts.