Unscrambling RNAV, RNP, and Other Chart Naming Conventions and Notes

Many pilots are confused by the terms RNAV, RNP, and RNP APCH that appear on instrument approach charts, and it’s easy to see why.
Although ICAO is adopting a new naming standard as the world shifts to Performance Based Navigation, or PBN, the FAA is sticking to its conventions. And that approach leads to some terms having more than one meaning or to blurring important distinctions.
This video below takes a closer look at what those abbreviations, initialisms, and notes mean.
For more information on a related subject, see: bruceair.wordp...

[@mav613]

THAT is one of the BEST explanations of RNAV/RNP nomenclature that is SUCH a total mess between ICAO, FAA and TC. Thank you!

[@martinpauly]

Finally, someone created a comprehensive and clear overview of all these terms. Thank you, Bruce!

[@bobwei6232]

This is probably the best explanation of RNP vs RNAV ive found so far in a video

[@BruceAirFlying]

Thanks. Look for an article on the topic in an aviation magazine soon.

[@raymacmillan2277]

Excellent explaining job!

[@wheelerdavea]

What a mess. You sorted it out masterfully. As always.

[@mikelambert9369]

Thanks for clearing things up, Bruce.

[@successgmred1010]

Thank you for this clear explanation.

[@fredscott4621]

Excellent, Bruce. A very clear explanation. Thanks.

[@Skyhawk518TA]

Very well done, Bruce.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

What an outstanding explanation Bruce! From another BT'er

[@twmba65]

Thanks Bruce! Very helpful review.

[@jetfighter2011]

Thank you - great video.

[@FlywithJim]

Excellent 👍 Thank you!

[@jakew9887]

Great video. Thanks

[@nohpnohp6284]

The ILS 15 at KBTV says "RNP Apch- GPS" in the notes. Do you need to be RNP authorized to shoot it. Thanks for the video.

[@BruceAirFlying]

That approach includes RNAV elements and meets the RNP-APCH navspec. It's not an Authorization Required (AR) procedure. For more information about this subject see my presentation on the topic: czcams.com/video/SpBItB5nKMQ/video.html

[@YolandaFrancis-jy6it]

Thank you very much for your explanation. May I ask what do we understand by an RNP coding? Is the RNP coding a way to set different variations of an existing circling approach?

[@BruceAirFlying]

RNP is not associated only with circling approaches. It is a set of standards for performance based navigation (PBN). In general, different RNP levels are linked to phases of flight, such as operations in the terminal area (IFR departures, arrivals, and the initial/intermediates stages of approaches), en route, and different types of approaches.

[@YolandaFrancis-jy6it]

@@BruceAirFlying Many thanks Bruce. I had this doubt because I was reading this from an ICAO document: "The RNP coding is a mapping of an existing circling approach, therefore the published minima remain applicable." Thank you.

[@BruceAirFlying]

My article about PBN appears in the May issue of AOPA Pilot--"PBN Bingo"

[@YolandaFrancis-jy6it]

@@BruceAirFlying Thank you very much dear Bruce. I will read it.

[@richardboll8763]

Actually, the ILS Z or LOC Z RWY 16R should have the "RNP APCH" NavSpec per FAA Order 8260.19. RNAV 1 - GPS is used on Feeder segments of a conventional approach that require RNAV. If RNAV is used from IAF to the FAF, or from the MAP through the missed approach, the NavSpec should be "RNP APCH". Unfortunately, we're some issues with these NavSpecs getting published correctly on US IAPs.

[@BruceAirFlying]

Yes, and we also see "RNP APCH - GPS" notes on procedures with "RNAV (GPS)" in the title (again, see FAA Order 8260.19I). As you know from the interminable discussions about procedure notes at the ACM, it seems there's a lot of "left hand/right hand" at the various FAA offices.