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 October 23, 2026.

Show pages 47–58

- Along-Track Distance (NM) 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 0 xtk 0.6 0.8 1.1 1.4 1.7 2.0 2.3 2.6 3.2 3.9 4.5 5.2 5.8 6.4 7.1 7.7 8.4 atk 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 5 xtk 0.6 0.6 0.8 1.1 1.4 1.7 2.0 2.3 2.6 3.3 3.9 4.5 5.2 5.8 6.4 7.1 7.7 8.4 atk 0.6 0.6 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 10 xtk 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.4 1.7 2.0 2.3 2.6 3.3 3.9 4.5 5.2 5.8 6.5 7.1 7.7 8.4 atk 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 15 xtk 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.4 1.7 2.0 2.3 2.6 3.3 3.9 4.5 5.2 5.8 6.5 7.1 7.7 8.4 atk 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.9 20 xtk 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.2 1.4 1.7 2.0 2.3 2.7 3.3 3.9 4.6 5.2 5.8 6.5 7.1 7.7 8.4 atk 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.1 25 xtk 0.7 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3.3 3.9 4.6 5.2 5.8 6.5 7.1 7.8 8.4 atk 1.5 1.5 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.3 30 xtk 0.7 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3.3 3.9 4.6 5.2 5.9 6.5 7.1 7.8 8.4 atk 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.5 35 xtk 0.8 0.8 1.0 1.3 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3.3 4.0 4.6 5.2 5.9 6.5 7.1 7.8 8.4 atk 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.2 2.3 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.7 40 xtk 0.8 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7 3.3 4.0 4.6 5.2 5.9 6.5 7.1 7.8 8.4 atk 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.6 2.6 2.7 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.9 3.0 50 xtk 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.3 1.6 1.9 2.2 2.5 2.8 3.4 4.0 4.6 5.3 5.9 6.5 7.2 7.8 8.4 atk 2.9 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.1 3.1 3.2 3.2 3.3 3.3 3.4 3.4 3.5 60 xtk 1.0 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.7 1.9 2.2 2.5 2.8 3.4 4.0 4.7 5.3 5.9 6.6 7.2 7.8 8.5 atk 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.7 3.7 3.8 3.8 3.8 3.9 3.9 4.0 70 xtk 1.0 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.7 2.0 2.3 2.6 2.9 3.5 4.1 4.7 5.3 6.0 6.6 7.2 7.9 8.5 atk 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.3 4.3 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.5 4.5 80 xtk 1.1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.1 2.3 2.6 2.9 3.5 4.1 4.7 5.4 6.0 6.6 7.3 7.9 8.5 atk 4.6 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7. 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.8 4.8 4.8 4.9 4.9 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.1 90 xtk 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.6 1.9 2.1 2.4 2.7 3.0 3.5 4.2 4.8 5.4 6.0 6.7 7.3 7.9 8.6 atk 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.3 5.4 5.4 5.4 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.6 5.6 100 xtk 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.7 1.9 2.2 2.4 2.7 3.0 3.6 4.2 4.8 5.4 6.1 6.7 7.3 7.9 8.6 atk 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.1 6.1 6.1 6.2 110 xtk 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.3 2.5 2.8 3.1 3.6 4.2 4.9 5.5 6.1 6.7 7.3 8.0 8.6 atk 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.4 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.6 6.6 6.6 6.7 6.7 6.7 120 xtk 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.3 2.6 2.8 3.1 3.7 4.3 4.9 5.5 6.1 6.8 7.4 8.0 8.6 atk 6.9 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.1 7.1 7.1 7.1 7.2 7.2 7.2 7.3 7.3 130 xtk 1.6 1.7 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.9 3.2 3.7 4.3 4.9 5.6 6.2 6.8 7.4 8.0 8.7 atk 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.6 7.6 7.6 7.6 7.6 7.6 7.6 7.7 7.7 7.7 7.7 7.8 7.8 7.8 7.9 Table 4. 2D Accuracy Requirements for Equipment Using a Single Co-located VOR/DME T a n g e n t D i s t a n c e N M Note 1: Equipment error assumes a waypoint input resolution of 0.01 minute, and output resolution of 0.01 minute for approach and 0.1 minute otherwise.

Note 2: Equipment error assumes the maximum allowable difference between the displayed cross-track deviation and the computed cross-track deviation.

Note 3: Multi-sensor equipment accuracy shown in the Table 4 does not necessarily satisfy accuracy requirements for operation in certain airspace. For example, navigation 48

on published J and V routes requires a distance along-track from the tangent point to VOR/DME to be less than approximately 50 NM to meet airway width criteria.

Note 4: Table 4 is a result of the root-sum-square combination of the error elements shown below in Table 5.

Table 4 is computed assuming the waypoint is always at the tangent point and the aircraft is at the along-track distance measured from the same tangent point. This is important in the test procedures because the resulting cross-track error from the course setting is a function of the distance to waypoint.

GROUND EQUIPMENT ERROR AIRBORNE EQUIPMENT ERROR VOR 1.4 degrees VOR 3.0 degrees DME 0.1 nm DME 0.2 nm + 1% Course Setting Error 1.6 degrees Computation Error 0.5 nm Table 5. Error Elements

6-6. INS/IRU.

a. An INS/IRU installation is an acceptable lateral positioning source during a significant portion of the flight provided it meets the requirements described in 14 CFR part 121, appendix G while in inertial mode.

b. Attitude heading reference systems, including an AHRS with inputs from air data computers, do not qualify as instrument navigation devices similar to an INS/IRU. An AHRS is not acceptable as an INS/IRU substitute or replacement for operational use under instrument flight rules on any RNAV or RNP instrument route or procedure. The foundation for the airworthiness approval of a gyro as an AHRS is not equivalent to the foundation for the airworthiness approval of a similar gyro approved as an INS/IRU.

Note 1: Paragraph 6-6 applies to both “stand-alone” and loosely coupled inertial integrations.

Note 2: RTCA Special Committee-159 working group 2C is developing a MOPS for GNSS-aided inertial systems including GNSS-aided inertial systems not meeting 14CFR part 121, appendix G. Paragraphs 6-6 and 6-7 in this AC will be updated when the new MOPS and TSO are published.

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6-7. INS/IRU – GNSS Integration.

a. The guidance in paragraph 6-7 is applicable for tightly-coupled integrations, and is in addition to the guidance in paragraph 6-6.

b. For GNSS sensors, both RTCA/DO-229D, Change 1 and RTCA/DO-316, appendix R, provides INS/IRU – GNSS integration requirements (appendix R is the same in both documents). The GNSS/inertial hybrid outputs of the INS/IRU must meet the equipment requirements of appendix R. However, appendix R is not invoked by any TSO. It is acceptable for tightly coupled INS/IRU – GNSS hybrid sensors meeting appendix R to be integrated with FMS or multi-mode receivers for operational use under instrument flight rules on RNAV or RNP instrument routes or procedures.

c. The FAA assumes that GPS/inertial position data is limited to enroute through LNAV approach horizontal positioning. Using this position data for operations requiring higher precision would require other integrity and accuracy enhancements such as GPS/SBAS, GPS/GBAS, or other integrity/accuracy monitor function. Since hybrid vertical position and integrity has not been addressed by appendix R, any use should be identified and resolved as part of the appendix R approval process.

(1) No exclusion is intended for previously certified equipment meeting the requirements of RTCA/DO-229C, appendix R. It is acceptable to use previously certified GNSS sensors integrated with INS/IRU systems meeting the requirements specified in RTCA/DO-229C, appendix R. However, RTCA/DO-229C, appendix R assumed selective availability was ‘on’, so it may not adequately describe system performance if the applicant wishes to take credit for selective availability being ‘off.’

(2) Aircraft with GPS/inertial installations approved for LNAV approaches can also include a baro-VNAV installation to provide the vertical guidance deviations acceptable for LNAV/VNAV approaches. Chapters 11, 18, and 23 describe baro-VNAV performance and installation considerations.

d. Tightly coupled INS/IRU systems integrated with GNSS sensors outputting PVT that is the same as GNSS may be demonstrated to be equivalent to either TSO-C145d, or TSO­ C196b and receive a GNSS TSOA/LODA. Any discrepancies should be identified and resolved as part of the TSO approval, but appendix R will take precedence. It may be necessary to conduct further evaluation during any follow-on approval since the characteristics and performance required for the inertial integration are closely linked to aircraft architecture, integration method, and GNSS failure modes.

(1) TSO-C129a has been cancelled so no new approvals to that standard are possible.

(2) Tightly coupled INS/IRU systems with an existing TSO-C129(AR) TSOA/LODA may still be produced and integrated with GNSS sensors that have an existing TSO-C129(AR) TSOA/LODA.

(3) Applicants requesting a TSO-C196b or TSO-C145d TSOA/LODA for their tightly coupled INS/IRU systems will need to include part number differentiation and installation instructions limiting integration to GNSS sensors approved to the same TSO.

e. When demonstrating RAIM or RAIM equivalency, the GPS signal-in-space failure modes to be used for the demonstration should be proposed and agreed upon as part of the TSO approval. For example, the applicant should address the correlated effects of multiple erroneous pseudoranges due to ionospheric activity. After exclusion of a faulty satellite, show that the position solution is valid and the inertial states/models are not corrupted by the faulty GPS data prior to its detection and exclusion.

f. All attitude and heading data output by the integrated system must comply with the relevant regulations under all foreseeable operating conditions. This includes during GPS signal-in-space failures (including prior to detection and after exclusion).

g. In the absence of any GPS input, the attitude and heading data output by the integrated system must comply with the relevant regulations, including those conditions addressed in the aircraft functional hazard assessment (FHA).

Note: It may be necessary to revise the FHA to address failure conditions unique to the GPS/inertial system.

h. If the system sustains integrity coasting capability, the INS/IRU equipment manufacturer must document the coasting performance and limitations. That is, document the coasting time while sustaining performance at the desired navigation performance level, horizontal alert limit (HAL) or RNP. This documentation must be consistent with the alerting algorithms for the aircraft (e.g., RNP). The coasting performance should consider factors that could influence coasting times (e.g., inertial sensor accuracy, gyro misalignment, inertial parameter calibration accuracy prior to loss of GPS signals, aircraft maneuvers prior to and during the coasting period, and aircraft speed).

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

a. Paragraph 6-8 defines a minimum DME/DME/IRU (D/D/I) RNAV system baseline performance capable of supporting RNAV 1 and RNAV 2 routes, as well as RNAV 1 DPs and STARs. For routes and procedures designed using this performance standard, the FAA will decide if adequate DME coverage is available using FAA computer modeling and flight inspection assets. This assessment of DME coverage will also determine if an expanded service volume is necessary for select DME facilities.

b. The minimum DME/DME requirements of paragraph 6-4 apply and are not repeated here, except where additional performance is required. The performance confirmat ion process in paragraph 6-4.2 also applies to paragraph 6-8.

c. There is no requirement to use VOR, NDB, LOC, or AHRS during normal operation of the DME/DME/IRU RNAV system.

d. The 95% position estimation error must be better than or equal to the value obtained 51

using the equation referenced in paragraph 6-4.f note 2 given any two DME facilities satisfying the criteria in paragraphs 6-4.b thru 6-4.d, and any combination of other valid DME facilities not meeting that criteria.

Note: Based on an evaluation of IRU performance, the growth in position error after reverting to IRU can be expected to be less than 2 NM per 15 minutes.

e. Inertial system performance must satisfy the criteria in paragraph 6-6.

f. Additional required FMS capabilities are:

(1) Automatic position updating from the DME/DME solution.

Note: Equipment manufacturers or airworthiness applicants should note in the appropriate documentation for the flight crew if any inertial coasting annunciation is suppressed following loss of radio updating.

(2) Accepting a position update immediately prior to takeoff.

(3) Excluding VORs greater than 40 NM from the aircraft.

g. The total system error (TSE) must be less than or equal to 1.0 NM (95%) throughout the route. To maximize the amount of IRU coasting allowed, the flight technical error for D/D/I aircraft on terminal procedures should be limited to 0.5 NM (95%).

Note: The FAA assures that systems meeting the D/D/I RNAV minimum performance standard satisfy this requirement on all identified routes and procedures, and these RNAV systems do not require further evaluation.

Systems seeking approval using different RNAV system characteristics or performance must demonstrate this performance for each published route or procedure.

Chapter 7. Equipment Performance - RNP (General).

7-1. Introduction.

a. The intent of the RNP chapters 7-10 and 17 along with appendix 2 and 3 is to provide the airworthiness guidance manufacturers need for implementing RNP capability when used in conjunction with the performance and installation chapters in this AC applicable to the equipment. The airworthiness information in this AC supersedes the airworthiness guidance in all revisions of ACs 90-101 and 90-105. Applicants should not base their new RNP AR or RNP airworthiness applications on the 90-series ACs because that guidance is not complete for airworthiness purposes. However, previous airworthiness approvals based on those ACs remain valid.

b. RTCA/DO-236C, Chg 1, Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards:

Required Navigation Performance for Area Navigation, dated June 19, 2013, and RTCA/DO­ 283B are closely linked to provide coherent RNP standards at both the aircraft level and RNP equipment level respectively.

(1) Aircraft manufacturers that use the type certificate process for all design, production and airworthiness approval of RNP capability may use RTCA/DO-236C, Chg 1 as the compliance standard at the aircraft level. While the RNP equipment is included as part of the type certificate, it should comply with RTCA/DO-283B (as modified by TSO-C115d) although requirements trade-offs are possible as long as the aircraft performance meets the requirements of RTCA/DO-236C, Chg 1.

(2) RNP equipment manufacturers building equipment for later installations (i.e., not associated with an aircraft OEM type certificate) cannot anticipate the installed RNP airworthiness capability at the aircraft level. These projects should use the standards in RTCA/DO-283B, as modified by TSO-C115d, for their RNP equipment.

Note: TSO-C115d includes significant modifications to the standards in RTCA/DO-283B. Manufacturers choosing to use the standards in RTCA/DO-283B must incorporate the TSO­ C115d modifications.

c. A database is an essential component necessary for RNP equipment to perform its intended function. RNP equipment operational approval for IFR use is based upon a database assurance process through a type 2 LOA. A type 2 LOA provides database objective evidence of integrity consistent with the monitoring and alerting requirement for RNP systems.

d. Chapter 8 is specific to the equipment performance considerations for RNP approach (RNP APCH) procedures; chapter 9 is specific to the equipment performance considerations for RNP enroute and terminal operations; and chapter 10 is specific to the equipment performance considerations for oceanic RNP. Chapter 17 describes installation considerations for RNP. Airworthiness guidance for RNP AR, including installation considerations, is addressed in appendix 2 of this AC while appendix 3 of this AC describes advanced RNP functions. Appendix 7 contains templates t o demonstrate RF leg capability.

RNP AR and RNP operational approval guidance can be found in the latest revisions of ACs 53

90-101 and 90-105, respectively.

Note: RNP AR was previously named RNP SAAAR. The name has been changed to RNP AR for international harmonization.

e. A foundation for RNP operations in the U.S. NAS relies on the ability to perform RNP 2.0, RNP 1.0, and RNP APCH operations (excluding RNP AR operations) to the LNAV line of minima. It is important to understand that RNP is an aircraft- level capability comprising the sensor, navigation computer, database, display systems, and flight guidance integration; not just an FMS function or TSO label. In general, aircraft with properly installed GNSS systems qualify for RNP 2.0, RNP 1.0, and RNP APCH to LNAV minima, but there are some additional considerations (see chapters 8 and 9 for specific guidance).

f. Aircraft may have additional RNP capabilities such as RNP APCH to LNAV/VNAV or LPV line of minima, or advanced RNP functions.

(1) GPS/SBAS and FMS equipment manufacturers should provide a statement in the RNP capabilities document for these additional RNP capabilities provided the equipment is installed according to the installation instructions/manual. Reference paragraphs 12-7.b and A5-2 for more information regarding the RNP capabilities document. The statement of RNP capabilities should be part of the installation instructions/manual.

(2) These additional capabilities have aircraft integration dependencies that must be considered during the airworthiness approval before the RNP capability can be approved at the aircraft-level.

g. TSO-C129(AR) equipment may not support all foundational RNP operations due to the minimum requirements in those TSOs. See chapters 8 and 9 for specific guidance on aircraft with TSO-C129(AR) equipment.

h. GPS/SBAS and GPS/GBAS sensors can be approved on aircraft without baro- VNAV to provide vertical path guidance for RNP 0.3 operations and RNP AR operations as low as RNP 0.1. However, all aircraft and FMS requirements for RNP and RNP AR operations still apply. Refer to chapters 15 and 17 of this AC (appendix 2 for RNP AR) for airworthiness guidance, and the latest revisions of AC 90-101, and AC 90-105 for operational guidance.

Note: TSO-C146(AR) invokes either RTCA/DO-229 revision ‘C’ or ‘D’, section 2.2 for Class Gamma GPS/SBAS equipment. The navigation computer requirements in section 2.2 invoked by TSO-C146(AR) are a specific method of complying with the RNP requirements for RNP 2.0, RNP 1.0 and RNP APCH to LNAV minima.

Class 2 and Class 3 equipment provide vertical guidance for RNP approaches when operating within GPS/SBAS coverage.

i. GPS/SBAS and GPS/GBAS used for RNP and RNP AR do not require the baro-VNAV temperature mitigations; however, the aircraft must be within the service provider’s coverage area to use GPS/SBAS or GPS/GBAS for RNP and RNP AR operations.

The following are performance advantages for GPS/SBAS or GPS/GBAS compared to baro-VNAV for RNP and RNP AR:

(1) An accurate and repeatable vertical flight path with consistent alignment of the glide path angle (GPA) with visual landing cues and landing aids (e.g., visual approach slope indicator (VASI) or precision approach path indicator (PAPI)).

(2) No temperature restrictions on using the procedure.

(3) GPS/SBAS and GPS/GBAS can meet the RNP AR 0.1 vertical performance contours without independent system monitoring.

(4) The flight path is not affected by manual or Automated Traffic Information System (ATIS) altimeter setting errors.

7-2. Special Characteristics of RNP Instrument Approaches.

a. GNSS is the primary navigation system to support RNP approach procedures. The missed approach segment may be based upon a conventional NAVAID (e.g., VOR, DME, NDB), but DME/DME-based systems are not acceptable for RNP APCH.

b. Tightly-coupled GPS/IRU or GPS/SBAS/IRU systems can provide a coasting capability in the event GPS positioning is not available.

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

a. RNP 1.0 is used on the initial, intermediate and missed approach segments of instrument approaches along with obstacle departure procedures (ODPs), standard instrument departures (SIDs), and STARs. DME/DME/IRU and/or GNSS are the primary navigation systems supporting RNP 1.0 operations.

b. RNP 2.0 routes are intended for operations in oceanic and remote areas. GNSS is the primary navigation system to support RNP 2.0 operations.

Chapter 8. Equipment Performance - RNP Approach.

8-1. Introduction.

This chapter provides guidance on the performance and functional criteria for systems used to conduct RNP approach operations, which are designated under part 97 as RNAV (GPS) or GPS and categorized as RNP APCH in ICAO. The baro-VNAV equipment performance applicable to RNP approaches is specified in chapter 11. B aro-VNAV systems are optional capabilities that are not a minimum requirement to fly RNAV (GPS) or GPS approaches using the LNAV line of minima.

8-2. Aircraft and System Criteria.

a. Aircraft with the following avionics equipment that meet the applicable installation chapters in this AC automatically qualify for RNP APCH to LNAV minima capability without further documentation by virtue of the avionics TSO and airworthiness approval:

• TSO-C115c (or later revision) FMS with a TSO-C129(AR) Class B1 or C1, TSO­ C145(AR), or TSO-C196(AR) sensor;

Note: See paragraph 8-3.g(2) for “TO/TO” navigation computers.

• TSO-C146 Class Gamma equipment;

• TSO-C129(AR), Class A1 equipment; or,

• Aircraft with an RNP AR approval.

b. A TSO-C115b FMS using a TSO-C129(AR) Class B1/C1, TSO-C145(AR), or TSO­ C196(AR) sensor with documented compliance to the RNP requirements in RTCA/DO-236 (revision ‘B’ or later) or RTCA/DO-283 (revision ‘A’ or later) as part of the approval basis also provides RNP APCH to LNAV minima capability without further evaluation.

Note: See paragraph 8-3.g(2) for “TO/TO” navigation computers.

c. Avionics or aircraft manufacturers may provide a service bulletin for a pilot or equipment operating handbook entry, or other notification stating aircraft with the equipment in paragraphs 8-2.a and 8-2.b, and an appropriate airworthiness approval, has RNP APCH to LNAV line of minima capability.

Note 1: Aircraft with RNP APCH to LNAV minima capability based on TSO-C129(AR) and TSO-C196(AR) GNSS have limitations requiring operators to perform pre-departure RAIM checks.

Note 2: TSO-C129a has been cancelled so it is not possible to receive a new TSO-C129a TSOA. But equipment with an existing TSO-C129a TSOA may still be produced and installed.

Note 3: New airworthiness approval applicants should consider including RNP APCH to LNAV minima as part of their application and document the capability in the AFM(S)/RFM(S). Doing so could benefit customers seeking operational approvals.

d. Multi-sensor systems that use DME/DME or DME/DME/IRU as the only means of RNP compliance are not authorized to conduct RNP APCH to LNAV minima. However, operators still retain the option to develop special RNP approaches using these systems.

8-3. Performance and Functional Criteria for RNP Systems.

a. Accuracy.

(1) During operations on the initial and intermediate segments and for the missed approach of a RNP APCH procedure, the lateral TSE must be within ±1 NM for at least 95 percent of the total flight time. The along-track error must also be within ±1 NM for at least 95 percent of the total flight time.

(2) During operations on the final approach segment, the lateral TSE must be within ±0.3 NM for at least 95 percent of the total flight time. The along-track error must also be within ±0.3 NM for at least 95 percent of the total flight time.

(3) Table 9 in chapter 17 indicates allowable “FTE credit” for various RNP operations when using autopilot, flight director, or manual flight control. Applicants may use these FTE values toward meeting TSE for the desired RNP operation without further demonstration or evaluation. Applicants may use different FTE values provided they demonstrate the aircraft complies with the appropriate TSE specified for the operation in paragraphs 8-3.a(2) and 8-3.a(3).

Note: Applicants may use a deviation indicator with 1 NM full-scale deflection on the initial, intermediate and missed approach segments and 0.3 NM full-scale deflection on the final approach segment. It is acceptable to use smaller deviation scaling, such as 0.3 NM full-scale deflection for the initial, intermediate, and final approach segment.

However, the final approach segment scaling must not be smaller than 0.3 NM (not applicable to RNP AR, LP/LPV, GLS, or when using RTCA/DO-229() angular scaling).

b. Integrity.

Malfunction of the aircraft navigation equipment that causes the TSE to exceed 2 times the RNP value without annunciation is classified as a Major failure condition under airworthiness regulations (i.e., 10-5 per hour).

c. Continuity.

Loss of function is classified as a minor failure condition if the operator can revert to a different navigation system and safely proceed to a suitable airport.

d. Performance Monitoring and Alerting.

During operations on the initial, intermediate, and the missed approach segments, the RNP System or the RNP system and pilot in combination must provide an alert if the accuracy requirement is not met or if the probability that the lateral TSE exceeds 2 NM is greater than 10-5 . During operations on the final approach segment, the RNP system must provide an alert if the accuracy requirement is not met or if the probability that the lateral TSE exceeds 0.6 NM is greater than 10-5 .

e. Path Definition.

Aircraft performance is evaluated around the path defined by the published RNP APCH procedure. RNP equipment should provide lateral guidance so aircraft remain within the lateral boundaries of the defined RNP APCH procedure. Aircraft performance should comply with RTCA/DO-236C, Chg 1. Additionally, when constructing the descent path for the final approach segment of an RNP instrument approach procedure, the RNP equipment must always use the procedure-defined flight path angle.

Note: RNP instrument approach procedures may have a final approach fix with an ‘AT’ altitude constraint. The intent of the guidance in paragraph 8-3.e is to use the published flight path angle for descent path construction.

This is to ensure geometric point-to-point between two ‘AT’ constraints is not used for the final approach segment.

f. Signal in Space.

During GNSS operations on the initial, intermediate, and missed approach segments, the aircraft navigation equipment must provide an alert if the probability of signal-in-space errors causing a lateral position error greater than 2 NM exceeds 10-7 per hour. During GNSS operations on the final approach segment, the aircraft navigation equipment must provide an alert if the probability of signal-in-space errors causing a lateral position error greater than 0.6 NM exceeds 10-7 per hour.

Note: There are no RNP requirements for the missed approach if it is based on conventional means (VOR, DME, and NDB) or on dead reckoning.

g. Functional Criteria for Navigation Displays.

(1) The RNP system must have the following navigation displays and functions installed in accordance with this AC. Navigation data, including a TO/FROM indication and a failure indicator, must be displayed on a lateral deviation display (course deviation indicator (CDI), electronic horizontal situation indicator (EHSI)) and/or a navigation map display. These must be used as primary flight instruments for aircraft navigation, for maneuver anticipation, and for failure/status/integrity indication.

Note: Unlike traditional, ground-based instrument procedures, some navigation computers construct RNP procedures by navigating to each procedure defined waypoint. This is referred to as “TO/TO navigation”. See paragraph 8-3.g(2) for guidance on RNP systems with navigation computers using TO/TO navigation algorithms.

(2) RNP systems using TO/TO navigation algorithms do not require a navigation display with a TO/FROM indication during RNP instrument procedures. Displays supporting TO/TO navigation computers can fully comply with all RNP-related criteria in this AC without a TO/FROM indication. At a minimum, the navigation display supporting a TO/TO RNP system should display the active waypoint and active waypoint name. However, TO/TO RNP systems must accommodate route discontinuities and continue providing navigation information.

(a) If an aircraft’s sensor suite intends to support traditional navigation using ground-based navigation aids (such as executing a VOR-DME instrument approach procedure), then the aircraft and avionics manufacturers must ensure the aircraft installation properly accommodates these traditional, ground-based instrument flight procedures. A TO/FROM indication is essential to qualify the aircraft for these traditional procedures because they may rely on navigation to and from a navigation aid, an ad hoc fix assigned by air traffic control, or a defined fix.

(b) Additionally, a TO/FROM indication is necessary when the RNP system uses GNSS substitution for the ground-based navigation aid(s) defining a traditional instrument procedure.

(3) A non-numeric lateral deviation display (for example, CDI, EHSI), with a TO/FROM indication and a failure annunciation, used as primary flight instruments for aircraft navigation, for maneuver anticipation, and for failure/status/integrity indication, should have the following attributes:

Note: see paragraph 8-3.g(2) for TO/TO navigation computer displays.

(a) The displays must be visible to the pilot and located in the primary field of view.