How does RNAV work?

Description. RNAV is a method of navigation which permits the operation of an aircraft on any desired flight path; it allows its position to be continuously determined wherever it is rather than only along tracks between individual ground navigation aids.

What is the difference between RNAV and GPS?

▷ RNAV is a system that enables navigation between any two points without the need to overfly ground-based stations. GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) is a broad term for satellite-based RNAV systems. GPS is the GNSS operated by the USA. Other examples are GLONASS by Russia and Galileo by the EU.

Is RNAV better than ILS?

RNAV approaches are safer and also simpler to use and manage than standard navaids such as VOR's and ILS's, which must be checked for flight under such tolerances. Standard VOR and NDB approaches are removed at most airports in the US and substituted by RNAV approaches.

Can you fly RNAV approach without GPS?

The term "RNAV" allows pilots to use various means of area navigation, including but not requiring GPS.

Can you fly RNAV without autopilot?

All RNAV approaches must be flown with autopilot and flight director unless no ILS is available and both autopilots have failed, then a manual FD RNAV is permitted.

Ep. 217: RNAV Basics Explained Approach Plate

Do you use approach mode for RNAV?

RNAV approach is all calculated using GPS way points. So basically you fly can in “Nav” mode and pass the Initial approach Fix. Before you get to the Final Approach Fix you should Press the APPR button. That will give you the vertical and lateral guidance (purple diamonds) on the PFD for the final approach.

Does RNAV have vertical guidance?

Vertical guidance is not provided. When the aircraft reaches the final approach fix, the pilot descends to a minimum descent altitude (MDA) using the onboard barometric altimeter (aka “dive and drive”).

Does RNAV use VOR?

Area navigation (RNAV) equipment includes VOR/DME, LORAN, GPS, and inertial navigation systems (INS). RNAV equipment is capable of computing the aircraft position, actual track, groundspeed, and then presenting meaningful information to the pilot.

Does RNAV have glide slope?

In the real world, you can have something called “LPV”, which is a category of RNAV that's precise enough that the computer provides an imaginary glideslope to follow. This glideslope is 100% calculated based on GPS position and altimeter reading, and not based on ground signals.

Is ILS being phased out?

FAA does not anticipate phasing out any CAT II or III ILS systems. The NAS includes more than 1,300 NDBs. Fewer than 300 are owned by the Federal Government; the rest are non-Federal facilities owned predominately by state, municipal, and airport authorities.

What equipment do you need for an RNAV approach?

Area navigation (RNAV) equipment includes VOR/DME, LORAN, GPS, and inertial navigation systems (INS). Some aircraft may have equipment that allows input from more than one RNAV source, thereby providing a very accurate and reliable navigation source.

What is required for RNAV?

For the purposes of this AC, the specified RNAV accuracy must be met 95% of the flight time. (1) RNAV 1 requires a total system error of not more than 1 NM for 95% of the total flight time. (2) RNAV 2 requires a total system error of not more than 2 NM for 95% of the total flight time.

Do pilots still use VOR?

As of 2018, pilots still use VORs as a primary navigational aid, but as more and more aircraft are equipped with GPS receivers, VORs most likely will be retired from use.

Is ceiling required for RNAV approach?

Yes, it is. Not only is it legal for you, but for that Part 121 aircraft 10 miles behind you on the approach. There is no legal regulation stopping you from shooting the approach (and the airliner can continue as long as the reported visibility remains above minimums).

What is the difference between RNAV and LPV?

Localiser Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) is a subset of Area Navigation (RNAV) Approach minima that are available at some locations in various parts of the world. Approaches to LPV minima have characteristics which are very similar to an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach.

What is an RNAV Z approach?

“When two or more straight-in approaches with the same type of guidance exist for a runway, the FAA adds a letter suffix to the title of the approach for identification purposes. These approach charts start with the letter Z and continue in reverse alphabetical order.

What is RNP approach?

Definition. Required Navigation Performance (RNP) is a family of navigation specifications under Performance Based Navigation (PBN) which permit the operation of aircraft along a precise flight path with a high level of accuracy and the ability to determine aircraft position with both accuracy and integrity.

What is VNAV approach?

In aviation, vertical navigation (VNAV, usually pronounced vee-nav) is glidepath information provided during an instrument approach, independently of ground-based navigation aids. An onboard navigation system displays a constant rate descent path to minimums.

What is the difference between LNAV and RNAV?

In aviation, lateral navigation (LNAV, usually pronounced el-nav) is azimuth navigation, without vertical navigation (VNAV). Area navigation (RNAV) approach plates include LNAV as a non-precision instrument approach (NPA).

Whats the difference between DA and MDA?

As the names suggest, DA is a decision point while MDA is the lowest altitude allowed without visuals. The difference between DA vs MDA is reflected in the regulations, Practical Test Standards (PTS, soon Airman Certification Standards) and TERPS.

What does RNAV stand for?

RNAV stands for Area Navigation. RNAV : Capability to fly any desired flight path, defined by waypoints such as geographic fixes. (LAT/LONG) and not necessarily by ground navaids.