What is P-RNAV?

P-RNAV is the aircraft and operator approval requirement that is introduced for RNAV procedures in ECAC Terminal Airspace. Terminal Airspace procedures that require P-RNAV approval are designed following common principles which ensure that procedure design and execution are fully compatible. Additional to the minimum performance and functional requirements appropriate for Terminal Airspace RNAV operations, P-RNAV approval includes navigation data integrity requirements and flight crew procedures. In other words, P-RNAV allows Terminal Airspace operations that are consistent in the various ECAC States, based on procedures design principles and aircraft capabilities that meet the requirement

In other words, P-RNAV allows Terminal Airspace RNAV operations that are consistent in the various ECAC States, based on a common set of design and operation principles, ensuring consistent levels of flight safety. This in contrast to the current situation, where the variations in RNAV approval requirements, the variations procedure design and procedure publication/charting, and the variations in navigation data integrity, have been recognised to be not without safety implications.

P(recision)-RNAV defines European RNAV operations which satisfy a required track-keeping accuracy of ±1 NM for at least 95% of the flight time.

This level of navigation accuracy can be achieved using DME/DME, GPS or VOR/DME. It can also be maintained for short periods using IRS (the length of time that a particular IRS can be used to maintain P-RNAV accuracy without external update is determined at the time of certification).

The complete P-RNAV aircraft and operator approval requirements are set out in JAA TGL-10 Rev 1.

Further explanatory material regarding the TGL-10 approval requirements are available in the form of Frequently Asked Questions.

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