Title: Area Navigation Systems - SKYbrary Aviation Safety
Headings: Area Navigation Systems
Area Navigation Systems
RNAV
Description
Further Reading
EUROCONTROL
CASA
DGCAA (France)
AirServices Australia
ICAO
FAA
ATSB Australia

Content: As RNAV accuracy has improved, it has begun to play a vital role in increasing ATM efficiency whilst also sustaining safety performance. The advent of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), mainly in the specific form of GPS, has now brought a completely new opportunity to derive an accurate three-dimensional (VNAV) position as well as a highly accurate two-dimensional (LNAV) position over an area not restricted by the disposition of ground transmitters. RNAV of sufficient accuracy is now seen ultimately as providing a replacement for all ground-based navigational aids. Although the only reliable and extensive GNSS presently available is the GPS coverage of the US Department of Defence, there is also the partially operative Russian Global Orbiting Navigation System (GLONASS) system and the planned European system, GALILEO. Initial GALILEO services will be made available by the end of 2016. Then, as the constellation is built-up, new services will be tested and made available, with system completion scheduled for 2020. Although the use of GNSS input for RNAV has made this method of navigation truly global, it has led to the availability of a very wide range of accuracy in RNAV - and therefore the uses to which it can be put - depending on how GNSS data is used. RNAV use of GNSS varies from hand held GPS, as an aid to day Visual Flight Rules (VFR) navigation, to the use of approach procedures which meet the highest accuracy and integrity standards of RNP-RNAV. In Europe, Basic Area Navigation (B-RNAV) has been in use since 1998 and is mandated for aircraft using higher level airspace. It requires a minimum navigational accuracy of +/- 5nm (RNP=5) for 95% of the time and is not approved for use below Minimum Sector Altitude.