Title: Area Navigation (RNAV) - SKYbrary Aviation Safety
Headings: Area Navigation (RNAV)
Area Navigation (RNAV)
Contents
Definition
How it works
Historical development
RNAV navigation specifications
RNAV vs RNP
Related Articles
Further Reading

Content: Inertial navigation systems (INS) can be used to maintain prior tracking for up to 2 hours. As RNAV accuracy improved, it began to play a vital role in increasing air traffic management (ATM) efficiency whilst also sustaining safety performance. The advent of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), mainly in the specific form of the United States (US) Global Positioning System (GPS), brought a 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 seen as ultimately providing a replacement for all ground-based navigation aids. Although the most extensive GNSS presently available is the GPS coverage of the US, there is also the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System ( GLONASS) and the partially operative European GNSS, GALILEO. New satellites are being launched to enlarge the GALILEO constellation, which are gradually improving GALILEO’s availability worldwide. The constellation is expected to be completed by 2020 when GALILEO will reach full operational capacity. 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 ranges from hand held GPS, as an aid to day VFR navigation, to the use of approach procedures which meet the highest accuracy and integrity criteria. RNAV navigation specifications
The International Civil Aviation Organization’s ( ICAO) PBN Manual identifies four navigation specifications under the RNAV family: