Area Navigation
Area navigation (RNAV) is a method of navigation that permits aircraft to fly on any desired flight path within the coverage of navigation aids, or within the capability of self-contained aids, without being constrained to track directly to or from a ground-based navaid. It enables direct routing between any two points.
How RNAV Works
A flight management system (FMS) or GPS navigator receives signals from multiple sources — GPS, VOR, DME, IRS — and computes a continuous position. The system guides the aircraft to arbitrary waypoints defined by coordinates, not by navaid locations.
Benefits
- Direct routing reduces fuel burn and flight time
- Routes can be designed around noise-sensitive or congested areas
- Enables RNAV/GNSS instrument approaches at aerodromes without ground-based navaids
- Foundation for all Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) operations
RNAV Accuracy Specifications
Different operations require different accuracy: RNAV 5 (en route), RNAV 2 and 1 (terminal), and RNP (Required Navigation Performance) for approach operations. LPV approaches using SBAS/WAAS GPS can provide decision heights as low as 200 ft — equivalent to a CAT I ILS.
On the TC Written Exam
RNAV allows off-airway direct routing; GPS is the primary sensor in GA; RNAV (GNSS) approaches are published at thousands of Canadian aerodromes including many without ILS or NDB.
Related Terms
See also: Area Navigation (RNAV), GPS, Waypoint (RNAV).