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Required Navigation Performance (RNP) is a type of performance-based navigation (PBN) that allows an aircraft to fly a specific path between two 3D-defined points in space. RNP APCH and RNP AR (Authorization Required) APCH are for navigation applications during the approach phase of flight. RNP AR is a complex procedure design type with stringent airworthiness approval requirements for aircraft and crew, making it an expensive option only considered when absolutely necessary, such as in mountainous terrain or a dense obstacle environment. RNP approaches have been shown to reduce cancellations due to bad weather and lower the required distance for separation, allowing more aircraft to fit into a volume of airspace.
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What You'll Learn
Required Navigation Performance (RNP)
RNP specifications are categorised according to their intended application. For example, RNP 4 is for oceanic and remote continental navigation, while RNP 1 is for arrival, departure, and initial, intermediate, and missed approach navigation. Advanced RNP is for navigation in all phases of flight. RNP APCH and RNP AR APCH are for the approach phase of flight, with the latter being designed for more demanding procedures that require specific authorisation.
RNP approaches are enabled by global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and modern avionics, which provide both lateral and vertical guidance along a defined path. These approaches are described by a series of waypoints, legs that connect the waypoints, and any speed and altitude constraints required on that procedure. This information is held in the aircraft's navigation database.
RNP offers several benefits, including improved flight safety by reducing the risk of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) and providing better access to runways that are not equipped with precision approach and landing systems. RNP can also reduce the cost of operational inefficiencies such as multiple step-down non-precision and circling approaches. In addition, the improved accuracy of on-board RNP systems allows for more aircraft to fit into a volume of airspace at any given altitude, resulting in cost savings for airlines due to less restrictive routing and better available altitudes.
In the United States, RNP AR APCH procedures are titled RNAV (RNP) and have stringent equipage and pilot training standards. They require special FAA authorisation to fly and are intended to provide specific benefits at certain locations. RNP AR APCH vertical navigation performance is based on barometric VNAV or SBAS.
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RNP Authorisation Required (AR) Approach
Required Navigation Performance (RNP) is a type of performance-based navigation (PBN) that allows an aircraft to fly a precise flight path between two 3D-defined points in space. RNP offers safety benefits through its precision and accuracy and reduces operational costs by eliminating inefficiencies such as multiple step-down non-precision and circling approaches. RNP specifications include on-board performance monitoring and alerting requirements, ensuring that the flight crew is alerted if the system deviates from its intended performance.
RNP AR approaches are particularly useful for navigating challenging terrain or environmentally constrained aerodromes. They enable aircraft to follow precise three-dimensional curved flight paths, allowing for improved access to airports in demanding environments. RNP AR procedures require a lateral Total System Error (TSE) lower than standard RNP values on any segment of the approach and have reduced lateral obstacle evaluation areas and vertical obstacle clearance surfaces.
To conduct an RNP AR procedure, operators must ensure their aircraft meet specific approval requirements. These include the capability to follow a desired ground track with reliability, repeatability, and predictability, including curved paths. Additionally, RNP-capable Flight Management Systems (FMS) must be installed in the aircraft, meeting basic RNP requirements. Experienced RNP AR operators, with the agreement of their State, may be exempt from conducting a Flight Operational Safety Assessment (FOSA). However, an Operator Evaluation will provide statements considering the FOSA requirements.
RNP AR approaches have been successfully implemented at various airports worldwide, including Queenstown Airport in New Zealand, Calgary International Airport, and Cusco near Machu Picchu. These implementations have resulted in reduced cancellations due to adverse weather conditions and decreased greenhouse gas emissions by optimising flight paths.
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Safety and accuracy
Required Navigation Performance (RNP) is a type of performance-based navigation (PBN) that allows aircraft to fly a precise path between two 3D-defined points in space. RNP offers safety benefits through its precision and accuracy, reducing the costs of operational inefficiencies. The accuracy requirement defines the 95% total system error (TSE) for those dimensions where an accuracy requirement is specified.
RNP offers a significant advantage over traditional non-radar environments, as the number of aircraft that can fit into a volume of airspace at a given altitude is the square of the number of required separations. This means that the lower the RNP value, the lower the required distance separation standards, and generally, the more aircraft can fit into a volume of airspace without losing required separation. This is a major advantage for air traffic operations and presents a cost-saving opportunity for airlines flying over oceans due to less restrictive routing and better available altitudes.
RNP approaches with RNP values down to 0.1 allow aircraft to follow precise three-dimensional curved flight paths through congested airspace, around noise-sensitive areas, or through difficult terrain. RNP 0.3 is very beneficial as it allows a procedure with a 2x 556 m lateral protection area. This can be reduced further, down to RNP 0.1, which is just 2x 186 m either side of the track.
RNP Authorisation Required (AR) Approach is a subset of PBN that allows even narrower flight paths to be flown in the lateral dimension. RNP AR also offers better possibilities in the vertical dimension, allowing pilots to descend to lower minima before deciding to continue landing if the runway is visual. RNP AR is used in complex terrain and demanding environments, where no other option will work. It is a complex procedure with stringent airworthiness approval requirements for aircraft and crew, making it an expensive design option only considered when absolutely necessary.
RNP AR operators must conduct an Operator Evaluation of the procedure, providing an overall assessment of the proposed operation. This evaluation should determine the depth of the Flight Operational Safety Assessment (FOSA) required based on aircraft capabilities under normal and abnormal procedures. If an acceptable level of safety is achieved, a 'RNP AR Special Authorisation' will be issued by the Sovereign State for that specific procedure.
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RNP APCH and RNP AR APCH
Required Navigation Performance (RNP) is a type of performance-based navigation (PBN) that allows an aircraft to fly a specific path between two 3D-defined points in space. RNP APCH and RNP AR APCH are for navigation applications during the approach phase of flight. RNP approaches with RNP values down to 0.1 allow aircraft to follow precise 3D curved flight paths through congested airspace, around noise-sensitive areas, or through difficult terrain.
RNP Approach (RNP APCH) procedures in the U.S. are titled RNAV (GPS) and offer several lines of minima to accommodate varying levels of aircraft equipment. This includes lateral navigation (LNAV), LNAV/vertical navigation (LNAV/VNAV), Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV), and Localizer Performance (LP).
RNP Authorization Required Approach (RNP AR APCH) procedures, on the other hand, have stringent equipment and pilot training standards and require special FAA authorization to fly. RNP AR APCH vertical navigation performance is based on barometric VNAV or SBAS. RNP AR is intended to provide specific benefits at specific locations and is not meant for every operator or aircraft. For example, the use of RNP AR approaches in Cusco, near Machu Picchu, has reduced cancellations due to bad weather by 60% on flights operated by LAN.
A typical "RNAV (GPS)" approach flown by most civil aviation pilots is technically considered an RNP APCH. This is because most IFR-certified GPS receivers can provide some form of alerting to the pilot, indicating an excessive position error or loss of accurate navigation.
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RNP system requirements
Required Navigation Performance (RNP) is a type of performance-based navigation (PBN) that allows an aircraft to fly a specific path between two 3D-defined points in space. The current specific requirements of an RNP system include the capability to follow a desired ground track with reliability, repeatability, and predictability, including curved paths.
RNP APCH supports all leg types and path terminators used in standard RNAV, including TF and RF. RNP AR procedures, on the other hand, only support two leg types: TF leg (a geodesic path between two fixes) and RF leg (a curved path supported by positive course guidance). An RF leg is defined by a radius, arc length, and a fix.
RNP requirements may limit the modes of operation of the aircraft, for example, for low RNP, where flight technical errors are a significant factor, and manual flight by the crew may not be allowed. Dual system/sensor installations may also be required depending on the intended operation or need.
The performance monitoring and alerting requirements for RNP 4, RNP 2, Advanced RNP, RNP 1, RNP APCH, and RNP 0.3 have common terminology and application. Each of these RNP specifications includes requirements for accuracy, performance monitoring, and dual systems. Accuracy refers to the 95% Total System Error (TSE) for those dimensions where an accuracy requirement is specified. Performance monitoring requires the aircraft, or aircraft-and-pilot combination, to monitor the TSE and to provide an alert if the accuracy requirement is not met or if the probability that the TSE exceeds two times the accuracy value is larger than 10−5. Finally, dual system requirements are determined based on operational continuity (e.g. oceanic and remote operations).
RNP AR (Authorisation Required) is a subset of the PBN offering, with space-based navigation and space-based instrument flight procedure designs that allow even narrower flight paths to be flown in the lateral dimension. RNP AR is a complex procedure design type with stringent airworthiness approval requirements for aircraft and crew, making it an expensive design option only considered when absolutely necessary, such as in mountainous and demanding terrain or a dense and challenging obstacle environment near the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Required Navigation Performance.
An RNP approach allows an aircraft to fly a precise flight path with a high level of accuracy, determining the aircraft's position with accuracy and integrity.
RNP AR stands for Required Navigation Performance Authorisation Required. It is a subset of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) and allows narrower flight paths to be flown in the lateral dimension.
RNP approaches improve safety and accuracy, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. They are particularly useful in congested airspace, around noise-sensitive areas, or through difficult terrain.
RNP AR procedures have stringent requirements for both aircraft and crew. Aircraft must be equipped with specific navigation and performance monitoring systems, and crew must undergo appropriate training and obtain authorisation from the relevant authority.
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