What does PBN (Performance Based Navigation) mean in aviation?

PBN refers to navigation specifications based on aircraft performance, not just equipment, defining accuracy, integrity, and functionality requirements.

What are the main RNP requirements for flight planning?

RNP requires onboard performance monitoring, alerting, and compliance with specified navigation accuracy for the intended route or procedure.

How are RNP approaches titled on approach charts after December 2022?

Approach charts use 'RNP' and 'RNP(AR)' designations, with an RNP box specifying the required navigation specification and accuracy.

What is the difference between LNAV and LNAV/VNAV minima?

LNAV minima provide lateral guidance only (2D), while LNAV/VNAV minima offer both lateral and vertical guidance (3D, APV Baro).

When is special authorisation required for RNP approaches?

Special authorisation is required for RNP AR APCH procedures, which are used in challenging environments and require additional crew and operational approval.

PBN (Performance Based Navigation) and RNP Requirements

Medium4 min readFlightplanning

Rarely Examined

Why this matters

Mastering PBN and RNP requirements is critical for safe and efficient navigation, especially as airspace and procedures become more reliant on advanced navigation systems. Pilots must match aircraft capability to route and approach requirements to ensure compliance and operational safety.

Performance Based Navigation (PBN) sets the framework for modern navigation by specifying the required accuracy, integrity, and functionality for aircraft navigation systems. Required Navigation Performance (RNP) is a subset of PBN, demanding onboard performance monitoring and alerting. Understanding PBN and RNP requirements is essential for flight planning, especially when selecting and flying RNAV and RNP routes and approaches.

Quick Check

Which of the following best describes an RNP approach procedure?

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In depth

Explanation

What is Performance Based Navigation?

PBN requirements define how accurately and reliably an aircraft must navigate, rather than prescribing specific navigation equipment. This approach supports flexible, efficient routing and enables a variety of approach procedures, including both 2D (lateral only) and 3D (lateral and vertical guidance) operations.

RNP Requirements Explained

RNP is a type of PBN specification that requires the aircraft to monitor its own navigation performance and alert the crew if it cannot meet the required accuracy. Common RNP values are RNP 1 (en route, terminal) and RNP 0.3 (approach). For approaches, RNP APCH covers standard procedures, while RNP AR APCH requires special authorisation due to challenging terrain or airspace.

PBN and RNP in Flight Planning

When planning a flight, pilots must:

Ensure the aircraft and crew are approved for the required PBN/RNP specification on each route or approach segment.
Check approach charts for RNP values and minima (e.g., LNAV, LNAV/VNAV, LPV, LP).
Confirm GNSS availability and any augmentation system needs (SBAS, GBAS, Baro-VNAV).
Review NOTAMs for navigation system outages or restrictions.
Understand the differences between 2D (LNAV, LP) and 3D (LNAV/VNAV, LPV) approaches.

Key PBN and RNP Approach Types

LNAV: 2D, lateral guidance only (non-precision)
LNAV/VNAV (APV Baro): 3D, barometric vertical guidance
LPV (APV SBAS): 3D, satellite-based vertical guidance
LP: 2D, improved lateral precision
RNP AR APCH: Special authorisation required, often for terrain-constrained airports

GNSS and Integrity Monitoring

Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) is essential for non-augmented GNSS operations, ensuring navigation accuracy. Augmented systems (SBAS/GBAS) provide higher integrity and support more precise approaches.

The essentials

Key Points

PBN defines navigation requirements based on performance, not specific equipment.

RNP is a PBN specification requiring onboard monitoring and alerting.

Approach charts state RNP values (e.g., RNP 1, RNP 0.3) for each procedure.

2D approaches (LNAV, LP) provide lateral guidance; 3D approaches (LNAV/VNAV, LPV) add vertical guidance.

RNP AR APCH procedures need special authorisation due to higher risk or complexity.

GNSS-based navigation may require RAIM or augmentation (SBAS/GBAS) for integrity.

Flight planning must confirm aircraft and crew approval for all required PBN/RNP specifications.

Watch out

Exam Traps & Typical Mistakes

Confusing 2D (lateral only) and 3D (lateral plus vertical) approach types.

Assuming all RNAV approaches are RNP—only those with onboard monitoring and alerting qualify.

Forgetting to check if the aircraft is approved for the specific RNP value required by a procedure.

Overlooking RAIM or augmentation requirements for GNSS approaches.

Mixing up RNP APCH and RNP AR APCH—AR procedures require special authorisation.

Test yourself

Example Exam Questions

Question 2Medium

Which approach types are classified as APV (Approach Procedures with Vertical Guidance)?

Question 3Easy

What is the primary difference between RNAV and RNP routes in flight planning?

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