Canadian Minimum Navigation Performance Specifications

Canadian Minimum Navigation Performance Specifications (MNPS) define the navigation accuracy requirements for aircraft operating in designated Canadian MNPS airspace, primarily in the Arctic and NAT (North Atlantic Track) regions. Aircraft must meet these specifications to operate in MNPS airspace, ensuring they can maintain their assigned track with sufficient accuracy to provide safe separation from other aircraft.

MNPS Airspace

In Canada, MNPS primarily applies to the North Atlantic organized track system (NAT OTS) and Arctic routes where reduced vertical and lateral separation is applied. Aircraft operating in MNPS airspace must be equipped and approved for the required navigation accuracy — typically ±12.6 NM lateral for 95% of flight time.

Equipment Requirements

MNPS-approved aircraft must have at least two long-range navigation systems (LRNS) such as GPS/GNSS, IRS (Inertial Reference System), or OMEGA. The crew must also be trained and current in long-range navigation procedures.

Related Terms

See also: Arctic Control Area, RNAV, INS.