AC 20-138D

Advisory circular · Airworthiness Approval of Positioning and Navigation Systems

Approved
March 28, 2014
Last reviewed
June 28, 2017
Family
AC 20-138 · 5 versions
Revision
D
14 CFR parts
1, 3, 11, 14, 15, 16, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 43, 91, 97, 121, 125, 135

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 21, 2025.

Advisory U.S. Department of Transportation Circular Federal Aviation Administration Subject: Airworthiness Approval of Date: 4/7/16 AC No: 20-138D Positioning and Navigation Systems Initiated by: AIR-130 Change: 2

1. Purpose. Change 2 adds additional information and clarifications to AC 20-138D, Change 1 along with minor updates.

2. Principal Changes. The page control chart indicates which pages have changed.

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Acting Manager , De ign, Manufacturing , & Airworthiness Division Aircraft Cert ificat ion rv1ce Advisory U.S. Department of Transportation Circular Federal Aviation Administration Subject: Airworthiness Approval of Date: 10/10/14 AC No: 20-138D Positioning and Navigation Systems Initiated by: AIR-130 Change: 1 Positioning and navigation equipment may be used for a variety of functions such as navigation, automatic dependent surveillance, and/or terrain awareness and warning systems. This AC addresses the following avionics:

• Global positioning system (GPS) equipment including those using GPS augmentations.

• Area navigation (RNAV) equipment integrating data from multiple navigation sensors.

• RNAV equipment intended for required navigation performance (RNP) operations.

• Baro-VNAV equipment.

This AC does not address new satellite constellations that are planned or currently under construction. This AC will be updated when sufficient documentation is available from the GNSS provider countries and RTCA to support service definition, service performance commitments, and minimum operational performance standards for multi-constellation equipment.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. General Information1

1-1. Purpose1

1-2. Audience2

1-3. Cancellation2

1-4. Frequently Asked Questions3

Chapter 2. Technical Standard Order Authorization (TSOA) and Airworthiness Approval

Considerations - General10

2-1. Guidance for TSOA/Letter of Design Approval (LODA) and Airworthiness

Approvals10

2-2. TSOA10

2-3. STC-Approved Model List (AML)11

2-4. Type Certificate11

Chapter 3. TSO Authorization12

3-1. TSO-C196(AR)12

3-2. TSO-C145(AR)/C146(AR)13

3-3. TSO-C161a/C162a14

3-4. TSO-C115(AR)15

3-5. TSO-C204/C205/C20618

3-6. Multiple TSO Authorizations19

Chapter 4. Equipment Performance - Advisory Vertical Guidance21

4-1. Introduction21

4-2. Implementations21

4-3. Limitations24

Chapter 5. Equipment Performance - GNSS26

5-1. Introduction26

5-2. GPS (TSO-C129(AR) and TSO-C196(AR) receivers)27

5-2.1 Antennas27

5-2.2 Sensors28

5-2.3 Prediction Program29

5-3. GPS/SBAS (TSO-C145/C146(AR) receivers)31

5-3.1 Antenna31

5-3.2 Sensor and Sensor/Navigation Computer Configuration31

5-3.3 Navigation Database - Data Conversion for GPS/SBAS LNAV/VNAV

Approaches33

5-4. GPS/GBAS (TSO-C161a/C162a receivers)33

5-4.1 Antennas33

5-4.2 VH F D

ata Broadcast Receiving Equipment (TSO-C162a)34

5-4.3 Sensor/Navigation Computer (TSO-C161a)34

5-5. GNSS Upgrades35

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5-5.1 Adding Additional GNSS Equipment35

5-5.2 Replacing GNSS Equipment35

5-5.3 GPS/SBAS Upgrade36

5-5.4 GNSS Antenna Re-Use/Replacement36

5-5.5 Marking38

5-6. Navigation Database38

5-6.1 Database Installation Instructions38

5-6.2 Database Process38

5-7. GNSS Geometric Altitude39

5-8. Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS)39

Chapter 6. Equipment Performance - RNAV Multi-Sensor Equipment40

6-1. Introduction40

6-2. Navigation Database40

6-2.1 Database Installation Instructions40

6-2.2 Database Process40

6-3. GNSS40

6-4. DME/DME41

6-4.1 Reasonableness Checks45

6-4.2 Performance Confirmation45

6-4.3 Multi-Sensor System FMS46

6-5. VOR/DME47

6-6. INS/IRU49

6-7. INS/IRU – GNSS Integration50

6-8. INS/IRU - DME/DME Integration51

Chapter 7. Equipment Performance - RNP (General)53

7-1. Introduction53

7-2. Special Characteristics of RNP Instrument Approaches55

7-3. Special Characteristics of RNP 1.0 and RNP 2.0 Operations55

Chapter 8. Equipment Performance - RNP Approach56

8-1. Introduction56

8-2. Aircraft and System Criteria56

8-3. Performance and Functional Criteria for RNP Systems57

8-4. System Eligibility and Approval for RNP APCH Operations62

Chapter 9. Equipment Performance - RNP Enroute and Terminal63

9-1. I

ntroduction63

9-2. Aircraft and System Criteria for RNP 2.0 and RNP 1.063

9-3. Performance and Functional Criteria65

9-4. System Eligibility and Approval for RNP 2.0 and RNP 1.0 Operations69

9-5. Rotorcraft Enroute, Terminal, and Offshore RNP 0.369

9-5.1 Introduction69

9-5.2 Rotorcraft and System Eligibility for Rotorcraft Enroute RNP 0.3 Operations69

9-5.3 Performance and Functional Criteria70

9-5.4 Approval for Rotorcraft RNP 0.3 Operations74

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Chapter 10. Equipment Performance – RNP Oceanic75

10-1. Introduction75

10-2. Aircraft and System Criteria for RNP 1075

10-2.1 Performance Criteria75

10-2.2 System Criteria76

10-2.3 System Eligibility and Approval for RNP 10 Operations79

10-3. Aircraft and System Criteria for RNP 4.080

10-3.1 Performance and Functional Criteria for RNP 4.080

10-3.2 System Eligibility and Approval for RNP 4.0 Operations85

Chapter 11. Equipment Performance - Baro-VNAV86

11-1. General Limitations for Operations under IFR86

11-2. Baro-VNAV Equipment Performance for Operations under IFR87

Chapter 12. General Installation Considerations93

12-1. Introduction93

12-2. Failure Classification93

12-3. Software Considerations94

12-4. Hardware Considerations94

12-5. Installed Equipment Compatibility95

12-6. Installation Instructions95

12-7. Equipment Capability and Installed Limitations95

12-8. Final Approach Segm ent Step-Down Fixes in Navigation Databases96

12-9. Magnetic Variation Data and Onboard Database98

12-10. Environmental Considerations99

12-11. General Human Factors Considerations99

12-12. Path Definition and Collocated Navigation Aids102

12-13. Runway Position Monitoring103

Chapter 13. General Installation Considerations - Antennas104

13-1. Antenna Placement104

13-1.1 GNSS-Specific Considerations104

13-1.2 General Considerations105

13-2. Anti-Ice Protection105

13-3. Antenna Cables105

13-4. Structure105

13-5. Additional Guidance106

Chapter 14. General Installation Considerations - Sensors107

14-1. Introduction107

14-2. Positioning and Navigation Configuration Strapping107

14-3. Navigation Source Selection107

14-4. Dual Positioning and Navigation Installations108

14-5. Intermixing RNAV equipment108

14-6. Interface to FGS109

14-7. I

nterface to Magnetic/True Switch111

14-8. I

nterface to Air Data and Inertial Reference Systems111

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14-9. Antenna/Sensor Compatibility111

14-10. Interference - Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)112

14-11. Interface Requirements113

Chapter 15. Installation Considerations - GNSS114

15-1. Introduction114

15-2. Navigation Displays114

15-3. Failure Indications116

15-4. Documenting Effects of GNSS Outage116

15-5. Installed Performance Capability117

15-6. GPS Equipment117

15-7. GPS/SBAS Equipment118

15-7.1 Limitations118

15-7.2 LP Approach119

15-7.3 Update Rate119

15-7.4 Performance Monitoring119

15-7.5 System Status120

15-7.6 Annunciations120

15-7.7 Accessibility121

15-7.8 GPS/SBAS Glidepath Low Deviation Alerting Function121

15-8. GPS/GBAS VDB Receiver121

15-8.1 Interference – EMC122

15-8.2 Compatibility with Other Systems122

15-8.3 VDB Aircraft Implementation Loss122

15-9. GPS/GBAS Navigation Computer Receiver122

15-9.1 GPS/GBAS Equipment Intended for Category I123

15-9.2 GPS/GBAS Stand-Alone or MMR Equipment Intended for Category I123

15-9.3 Performance and Performance Monitoring124

15-9.4 Integrity124

15-9.5 Continuity of Navigation125

15-9.6 Fault Detection and Annunciation125

15-9.7 System Status125

15-9.8 Annunciation125

15-9.9 Accessibility126

15-9.10 Glidepath Capture126

15-9.11 Equipment Qualification126

15-9.12 Interoperability127

15-9.13 GPS/GBAS Glidepath Low Deviation Alerting Function127

15-10. Special Use Mission Equipment - Not for Navigation127

Chapter 16. Installation Considerations - RNAV Multi-Sensor Equipment128

16-1. Introduction128

16-2. Interface to Primary Navigation Display128

16-2.1 Non-numeric Deviation Displays129

16-2.2 Map Displays129

16-3. Interface to Remote Annunciator129

16-4. Unique Software Considerations130

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16-5. Installed Performance Capability131

Chapter 17. Installation Considerations - RNP132

17-1. Introduction132

17-2. Flight Technical Error132

17-3. Radius to Fix (RF) Legs133

17-4. Interface to FGS133

Chapter 18. Installation Considerations - Baro-VNAV134

18-1. Failure Protection134

18-2. Manufacturer’s Instructions134

18-3. Annunciations134

18-4. Software Changes135

18-5. Integration with GNSS-Provided Vertical Guidance135

18-6. Glidepath Low Deviation Alerting Function137

Chapter 19. Installed Performance - Data Submittal138

19-1. Introduction138

19-2. Project Specific Certification Plan138

19-3. TSO Technical Data138

19-4. Review the installation manual139

19-5. Structural Analysis139

19-6. Power Supply140

19-7. Environment140

19-8. Database140

19-9. Operations manual or AFMS/RFMS140

19-10. Stand-Alone Navigation Equipment141

19-11. Ground and Flight Test Plans (functional and EMI/EMC testing)141

Chapter 20. Installed Performance - Test (General)142

20-1. Intended Function142

20-2. Power Supply142

20-3. Accuracy142

20-4. Human Factors142

Chapter 21. Installed Performance - Test (GNSS)143

21-1. Ground Test - GPS, GPS/SBAS, and GPS/GBAS143

21-1.1 Interference143

21-1.2 Antenna to Aircraft Navigation Reference Offset143

21-1.3 Sensor Installation144

21-1.4 Stand-Alone Navigation Equipment Installation144

21-2. Flight Test - GPS, GPS/SBAS, and GPS/GBAS144

21-2.1 Equipment Installation144

21-2.2 LP/LPV, LPV and GLS145

21-2.3 GPS/GBAS VDB Receiver Installation146

Chapter 22. Installed Performance - Test (RNAV Multi-Sensor Equipment)147

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22-1. Ground Test147

22-2. Flight Test147

22-2.1 Interface to FGS149

22-2.2 GNSS Precision Approach149

Chapter 23. Installed Performance - Test (Baro-VNAV)150

23-1. Introduction150

23-2. Ground Test150

23-2.1 Lab/Bench Tests and Equipment Data Evaluation150

23-2.2 Aircraft Installation Data Evaluation150

23-3. Flight Test151

23-3.1 Functional Flight Test151

23-3.2 Navigation Error Flight Test152

23-4. Follow-on Approval153

Appendix 1. GPS Oceanic/Remote NavigationA1-1

A1-1. GPS Oceanic/Remote NavigationA1-1

A1-2. Approval ProcessA1-1

A1-3. Equipment PerformanceA1-2

Appendix 2. RNP AR OperationsA2-1

A2-1. IntroductionA2-1

A2-2. Performance RequirementsA2-2

A2-3. RNP AR General RequirementsA2-4

A2-4. Requirements for RNP AR Approaches with RF LegsA2-16

A2-5. Requirements for RNP AR Approach values less than 0.3A2-17

A2-6. Requirements for Approaches with a Missed Approach Segment Less Than RNP 1.0.A2-18

A2-7. Navigation Data Validation ProgramA2-20

A2-8. Installation Considerations for RNP ARA2-23

Appendix 3. Advanced RNP FunctionsA3-1

A3-1. IntroductionA3-1

A3-2. Radius to Fix Leg CapabilityA3-2

A3-3. Parallel OffsetsA3-5

A3-4. RNAV HoldingA3-6

A3-5. Scalable RNPA3-6

A3-6. Fixed Radius TransitionsA3-7

A3-7. Time of Arrival ControlA3-7

Appendix 4. GNSS Tests to Support ADS-BA4-1

A4-1. IntroductionA4-1

A4-2. Velocity Accuracy and Velocity Figure of Merit TestsA4-1

A4-3. Horizontal Velocity Accuracy Test Conditions Commens urate with NACV = 1A4-2

A4-4. Horizontal Accuracy Pass/Fail DeterminationA4-4

A4-5. Horizontal Velocity Figure of Merit Pass/Fail DeterminationA4-4

A4-6. Vertical Velocity Accuracy Test Conditions Commensurate with NACV = 1A4-5

A4-7. Vertical Velocity Accuracy Pass/Fail DeterminationA4-7

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A4-8. Vertical Velocity Figure of Merit Pass/Fail DeterminationA4-7

A4-9. Additional Test s to Demonstrate Accuracy Commensurate with NACV = 2A4-8

A4-10. Test to Demonstrate HAE Output and Vertical Position Accuracy MetricA4-8

A4-11. Test to Demonstrate Horizontal Position Accuracy MetricA4-9

A4-12. Demonstrating True Track Angle/True Track Angle ValidityA4-11

Appendix 5. Sample Airplane/Rotorcraft Flight Manual SupplementA5-1

A5-1. IntroductionA5-1

A5-2. Sample AFM(S)/RFM(S) PBN Capabilities and Qualification BasisA5-9

Appendix 6. Installation of GNSS Equipment for VFR Use OnlyA6-1

A6-1. IntroductionA6-1

A6-2. GeneralA6-1

A6-3. ApplicabilityA6-1

A6-4. Technical InstructionsA6-1

Appendix 7. RF leg Demonstration TemplatesA7-1

A7-1. IntroductionA7-1

A7-2. Test Procedures DescriptionA7-3

A7-2.1. DeparturesA7-3

A7-2.2. ArrivalA7-5

A7-2.3. ApproachesA7-7

A7-3. Test GuideA7-15

A7-3.1. Initial Set-UpA7-16

A7-3.2. Airborne Test ConditionsA7-17

Appendix 8. non-U.S. Constellations with GPS-Based GNSSA8-1

A8-1. IntroductionA8-1

Appendix 9. Definitions and AcronymsA9-1

A9-1. DefinitionsA9-1

A9-2. AcronymsA9-3

Appendix 10. Related DocumentsA10-1

A10-1. FAA Advisory CircularsA10-1

A10-2. FAA Technical Standard OrdersA10-3

A10-3. RTCA, Inc. Documents (RTCA/DO) documentsA10-4

A10-4. Other DocumentsA10-6

A10-5. How to Get Related DocumentsA10-6

List of Tables

Table 1. Effective Noise Density for All GNSS Sources26

Table 2. Acceptable Standard Antennas37

Table 3. DME Usable Range43

Table 4. 2D Accuracy Requirements for Equipment Using a Single Co-located VOR/DME48

Table 5. Error Elements49

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Table 6. Vertical Path Performance Limit for Baro-VNAV88

Table 7. Vertical Path Deviations89

Table 8. Typical Hazard Classifications93

Table 9. RNP FTE Performance132

Table 10. INS/IRU Accuracy After Loss of Radio Updating148

Table 11. Tailwind Component (VKTW) for Turn CalculationsA2-9

Table 12. Platform Dynamics for Horizontal Velocity Accuracy TestA4-3

Table 13. Platform Dynamics for Vertical Velocity Accuracy TestA4-6

Table 14. Alpha Departure WaypointsA7-4

Table 15. Bravo Departure WaypointsA7-5

Table 16. Arrival WaypointsA7-7

Table 17. Approach 1 WaypointsA7-9

Table 18. Approach 1 Vertical Error BudgetA7-9

Table 19. Approach 2 WaypointsA7-11

Table 20. Approach 2 Vertical Error BudgetA7-11

Table 21. Approach 3 WaypointsA7-13

Table 22. Approach 3 Vertical Error Budget7-13

Table 23. Approach 4 Waypoints7-15

List of Figures

Figure 1. RNAV Depiction6

Figure 2. RNP Depiction7

Figure 3. Minimum Straight Path Before DAA2-20

Figure 4. Example Procedure ProfilesA7-2

Figure 5. Alpha DepartureA7-4

Figure 6. Bravo DepartureA7-5

Figure 7. ArrivalA7-6

Figure 8. Approach 1A7-8

Figure 9. Approach 2A7-10

Figure 10. Approach 3A7-12

Figure 11. Approach 4A7-14

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-- Chapter 1. General Information.

1-1. Purpose.

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance material for the airworthiness approval of installed positioning and navigation equipment. Positioning and navigation equipment may be used for a variety of functions such as navigation, automatic dependent surveillance, and/or terrain awareness and warning systems. This AC addresses the following equipment:

a. Global positioning system (GPS) sensors or stand-alone navigation equipment, including those incorporating aircraft-based augmentation system (ABAS), satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS), or ground-based augmentation system (GBAS).

Note: For standardization within this document, the acronyms GPS/SBAS and GPS/GBAS are used to indicate SBAS augmenting GPS and GBAS augmenting GPS respectively.

b. Area navigation (RNAV) integrating data from multiple navigation sensors such as global navigation satellite system (GNSS), inertial reference units (IRU), and distance measuring equipment (DME).

c. RNAV intended for required navigation performance (RNP) operations, including advanced functions and RNP authorization required (AR).

Note: RNP AR was previously named RNP special aircraft and aircrew authorization required (SAAAR). The name was changed to RNP AR for international harmonization, but might not yet be standardized throughout all documents.

d. Barometric vertical navigation (baro-VNAV) equipment.

e. Appendix 8 provides preliminary information for manufacturers that wish to add new satellite constellations or additional frequencies to their GNSS capability. This AC will be updated as new documentation is developed for multi-constellation equipment.

f. This AC supersedes the airworthiness considerations contained in all revisions of AC 90-101, Approval Guidance for RNP Procedures with AR, and AC 90-105, Approval Guidance for RNP Operations and Barometric Vertical Navigation in the U.S. National Airspace System.

Equipment previously approved per the airworthiness guidance in the 90-series ACs is still valid for the operations and conditions stated in their approvals. This AC does not replace the operational guidance found in the RNP 90-series ACs, but does replace the airworthiness guidance in the 90-series ACs. Also, this AC replaces the ACs listed in paragraph 1-3 by incorporating and updating the information they contained.