FAA

Required Navigation Performance (RNP), Area Navigation (RNAV) Implementation

Mr. Hooper Harris
FAA/JAA Annual Meeting Phoenix, AZ June 3 - 7, 2002
19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

Overview Definitions and Advantages

RNAV, RNP, and RNP RNAV

FAA

Differentiation Benefits Implementation - mitigating risk Conclusion

19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

RNAV

FAA

RNAV is a method of navigation that permits aircraft operation on any desired flight path: e.g., user preferred routes. The application of RNAV techniques has been shown to provide a number of advantages over conventional (sourcereferenced) forms of navigation.
19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

RNAV Advantages

FAA

1. User preferred routes tracks that consider pressure altitude and wind and are not associated with or constrained by an underlying navigation aid. 2. Establishment of: a. more direct routes, resulting in shorter flight distances; b. dual or parallel routes to accommodate a greater flow of en route traffic; c. bypass routes for aircraft over flying high-density terminal areas; d. alternatives or contingency routes, either planned or unplanned (e.g., severe weather avoidance); and e. the best locations for holding patterns.
19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

RNP & Advantages

FAA

A statement of the navigation performance accuracy necessary for operation within a defined airspace. The term RNP is also applied as a descriptor for airspace, routes, and procedures. The descriptor is flexible and can apply to a unique approach procedure or to a large region of airspace. RNP applies to navigation performance accuracy within an airspace, and therefore includes the capability of both the available infrastructure (navigation aids) and the aircraft.
19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

RNP RNAV - Per ICAO Doc 9613

RTCA DO-236/EUROCAE ED-75.

FAA

Merges the accuracy standard in the ICAO Manual, with the containment requirements and area navigation functional and performance standards. The containment region quantifies the navigation performance where the probability of an un-annunciated deviation greater than 2 x RNP is less than 1 x 10-5. The containment region (defined as 2 times the RNP) could help with safety assessments for separation and obstacle clearance.

RNP RNAV will support the development of new obstacle clearance or aircraft-to-aircraft separation. RNP RNAV will enable reliable, predictable and repeatable ground tracks through standardized avionics functions. 19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

Differentiation
2xRNP

FAA
RTCA/EUROCAE RNP RNAV
Containment Zone 95% Accuracy 95% Accuracy 1xRNP Containment Zone 2xRNP
19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

ICAO RNP
1xRNP

95% Accuracy

95% Accuracy

Transition Strategy

FAA

In the short term, emphasis should be on RNAV implementation using all available means (GNSS, ground-based, and self-contained navaids). The mid term should focus on the transition to RNP RNAV based on GNSS. RNP RNAV is based on the following systems, where these systems meet navigation requirements:
GNSS GNSS/INS DME/DME/INS
19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

Industry Requirements

FAA

19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

Operational Approvals

FAA

19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

Public vs. Specials Public Use - RNP 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.3 - RNAV IAPs - DPs and STARs

FAA
Specials - RNP < 0.3 - Alaska Airlines - Certification & Aircrew Training - Equipment Requirements - RTCA SC-181 WG13 to address RNP <0.3
19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

Cooperative Goal

FAA

Middle Ground is Similar to ILS Cat II/III Approvals public use - however special aircrew training/equipment required Build upon todays RNP Values Implement RNP <0.3 where beneficial Working to identify priority airports Future: RNAV Approach with vertical guidance can achieve precision like functionality
19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

Key Issues for Implementation

FAA

Standardization of publication/charting. Means of notifying users of the available navigation infrastructure. Means of managing changes in the navigation infrastructure. DME issues.

19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

Key Issues (continued)

FAA

Means of providing operational status information to ATC. Accommodation of previously approved RNAV systems (e.g., RNAV FMS). Relationship between RNP level and obstacle clearance. Relationship between RNP level and airspace. Navigation Data Issues.
19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference

Conclusion

FAA

RNP RNAV can satisfy the navigation element of the CNS/ATM equation. Predictable and repeatable flight paths allow navigation to contribute to meeting the long term concept of Free Flight and in shaping air navigation as an integral part of the Global CNS/ATM Plan.

19th Annual FAA/JAA International Conference