Title: Does RNAV Always Mean GPS? | Boldmethod
Headings: Does RNAV Always Mean GPS?
Does RNAV Always Mean GPS?
RNAV, Defined
RNAV Routes Have Been Around Since The 1970s
Satellite Navigation Changed The Game
An FMS Uses It All
Approved RNAV Systems, And When To Use Them
What About RNP?
So, Does RNAV Always Mean GPS?
Colin Cutler
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Content: During flight, the FMS provides precise guidance between each pair of waypoints, along with real-time information about aircraft course, groundspeed, distance, estimated time between waypoints, fuel consumed, and fuel/flight time remaining. While most FMS systems use GPS, that's not their only source of information. Many FMS systems in large aircraft are linked to an Inertial Navigation Unit (often times called an Inertial Reference System, or IRS), which is comprised of lasers and gyros that determine aircraft flight path, altitude, and attitude. And that's not the only extra source of information for an FMS. Most FMS systems can use GPS, IRS, VOR, LOC, and DME receivers to provided position information to the FMS. If one form of navigation becomes unreliable, backup navigation aids can be used for continuous position information. Live from the Flight Deck
Approved RNAV Systems, And When To Use Them
According to the AIM these are a few RNAV systems that can be approved. Keep in mind, the specific equipment and certification goes far beyond this list: Approved GPS Receivers
Flight Management Systems Integrating Multiple Navigation Sensors
RNAV System with DME/DME/IRU
DME/DME/IRU systems don't rely on GPS, and instead, utilize multiple DME stations and an Inertial Reference Unit to get position information. While GPS may initially provide the IRU with location information for calibration, it does not rely on GPS for operation.