U .S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular Subject: Approval Guidance for RNP Operations and Barometric Vertical Navigation in the U.S. National Airspace System and in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace Date: 3/7/16 AC No: 90-105A Initiated by: AFS-400 Change:
FOREWORD This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance for operators to conduct Required Navigation Performance (RNP) operations in the United States, in oceanic and remote continental airspace, and in foreign countries which adopt International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for RNP operations. Guidance is provided for the following:
• Required Navigation Performance Approach (RNP APCH) procedures;
• Barometric vertical navigation (baro-VNAV);
• RNP 1 (terminal) operations;
• RNP 0.3 (rotorcraft) operations;
• RNP 2 domestic, offshore, oceanic, and remote continental operations;
• RNP 4 oceanic and remote continental operations;
• RNP 10 (Area Navigation (RNAV) 10) oceanic and remote continental operations;
• Advanced Required Navigation Performance (A-RNP), and
• Additional Capabilities.
This AC does not apply to those approaches which require unique authorization (Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP AR), as described in AC 90-101( ), Approval Guidance for RNP Procedures with AR, nor does it address instrument approach procedures (IAP) using localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) or localizer performance without vertical guidance (LP), which are addressed in AC 90-107( ), Guidance for Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance and Localizer Performance without Vertical Guidance Approach Operations in the U.S. National Airspace System.
J ohn Barbagallo Deputy Director, Flight Standards Service
CONTENTS Paragraph Page
Chapter 1. General Information1-1
1.1 Purpose1-1
1.2 Alternative Method1-1
Chapter 2. Applicability2-1
2.1 Audience2-1
2.2 Approach Guidance Not Applicable to this AC2-1
2.3 Terms2-1
2.3.1 Major and Minor Failures2-1
2.4 References2-1
2.5 Aircraft Eligibility and Aircraft Modification2-2
Chapter 3. Documentation3-1
3.1 Cancellation3-1
3.2 FAA ACs and Orders3-1
3.3 Related Regulations Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)3-2
3.4 FAA Technical Standard Orders (TSO)3-2
3.5 RTCA Documents3-2
3.6 Other Documents3-3
Chapter 4. General Information4-1
4.1 Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Concept4-1
4.1.1 Components4-1
4.1.2 Lateral Performance4-2
4.1.3 Vertical Performance4-2
4.1.4 Onboard Performance Monitoring and Alerting4-2
4.2 Procedures and Routes4-2
4.3 Navigation Error Components/Definitions4-3
4.3.1 Flight Technical Error (FTE) or Path Steering Error (PSE)4-3
4.3.2 Path Definition Error (PDE)4-4
4.3.3 Navigation System Error (NSE) or Position Estimation Error (PEE)4-4
4.3.4 Total System Error (TSE)4-4
4.3.5 Position Estimation Error (PEE) or Navigation System Error (NSE)4-4
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Chapter 5. Applications of Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Operations5-1
5.1 Overview5-1
Chapter 6. Operational Guidance For Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Operations6-1
6.1 General6-1
6.2 Centerline6-1
6.3 RNP En Route, RNP Terminal, and RNP APCH Operations6-1
6.4 RNP Operational Transitions6-1
6.4.1 Transitions to Instrument Landing System (ILS), Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) Landing System (GLS), Localizer Performance with Vertical
Guidance (LPV) or Conventional Approach Procedures6-1
6.5 Oceanic/Remote Continental Airspace and Offshore Airspace6-2
6.5.1 Airspace Distinction6-2
Chapter 7. Operational Approval Process7-1
7.1 Part 91 Operators7-1
7.2 Operational Authorization7-1
7.3 Parts 91K, 121, 125, 129, and 135 Operators7-1
7.4 Preapplication Meeting7-2
7.5 Multiple OpSpecs/MSpecs/LOAs7-2
7.5.1 Application7-2
7.5.2 Amendments7-2
Chapter 8. Operator Responsibilities8-1
8.1 Operational Manuals and Checklists8-1
8.2 Training Documentation8-1
8.2.1 Part 91 Operator Training8-1
8.2.2 Parts 91K, 121, 125, and 135 Operator Training8-1
8.3 Minimum Equipment List (MEL) Considerations8-1
8.4 Pilot Knowledge/Training8-1
8.4.1
Flightcrew Training8-1
8.4.2 RNP Authorization Requests8-1
8.4.3 Pilot Knowledge8-2
8.4.4 Pilot Knowledge and Actions8-3
8.5 Operation, Procedure, or Route Selection8-4
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Chapter 9. Flight Planning9-1
9.1 Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Flight Planning Requirements9-1
9.1.1 RNP 2, RNP 4, and RNP 109-1
9.2 Notices to Airmen (NOTAM)9-1
9.3 GPS Performance Prediction9-1
9.3.1 Equipment in Accordance with TSO-C129 or TSO-C1969-1
9.3.2 Prediction Methods9-2
9.3.3 Prediction Model Parameters9-2
9.3.4 Flight Planning Guidance9-2
9.3.5 Resolving Predicted Outages in Performance9-3
9.4 Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) Flight Planning Requirements9-3
9.5 Contingency Planning for Alternate Airport9-3
9.5.1 Alternate Airport Considerations9-3
Chapter 10. Database Integrity10-1
10.1 Database Suppliers10-1
10.2 Navigation Data Requirements10-1
10.3 Terminal and En Route Requirements10-1
10.4 Database Validity10-1
10.5 Navigation Data Validation Program10-1
10.6 Data Process for Part 91 Operators10-1
10.7 Data Process for Parts 91K, 121, 125, 129, and 13510-2
Chapter 11. Aircraft and System Requirements11-1
11.1 References11-1
Chapter 12. Bundling Concept12-1
12.1 Performance-based Navigation (PBN) Authorization12-1
12.2 Visual of Bundling Options12-1
12.3 Approach Phase Composition12-1
12.4 Credit for Existing RNP AR Approvals12-1
12.5 RNP 2 Areas of Operation12-1
12.6 Terminal and En Route Phases of Flight12-1
12.7 Oceanic/Remote Continental RNP 2 Authorization12-2
12.8 Advanced Required Navigation Performance (A- RNP)12-2
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Appendix A. Qualification Criteria for Required Navigation Performance Approach
(RNP APCH) OperationsA-1
Appendix B. Use of Barometric Vertical Navigation (Baro-VNAV) for Required
Navigation Performance Approach (RNP APCH) OperationsB-1
Appendix C. Qualification Criteria for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) 1
(Terminal) OperationsC-1
Appendix D. Qualification Criteria for Required navigaTion Performance (RNP) 0.3
(Rotorcraft) OperationsD-1
Appendix E. Qualification Criteria for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) 2
Domestic, Offshore, Oceanic, and Remote Continental OperationsE-1
Appendix F. Qualification Criteria for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) 4
Oceanic and Remote Continental OperationsF-1
Appendix G. Qualification Criteria for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) 10
Oceanic and Remote Continental OperationsG-1
Appendix H. Advanced Required Navigation Performance (A-RNP)H-1
Appendix I. Additional CapabilitiesI-1
Appendix J. Administrative InformationJ-1
List of Figures
Figure 4-1. Performance-Based Navigation Concept4-1
Figure 4-2. Total System Error (TSE)4-3
Figure 12-1. Bundling Options12-3
List of Tables
Table 5-1. Applications of RNP Operations5-1
Table H-1. RNP FunctionsH-2
Table J-1. AcronymsJ-6
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CHAPTER 1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Purpose. This advisory circular (AC) provides aircraft eligibility and operational guidance for operators to conduct Required Navigation Performance (RNP) operations in the United States, in oceanic and remote continental airspace, and in foreign countries which adopt International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for RNP operations. Guidance is provided for the following:
• Required Navigation Performance Approach (RNP APCH) Procedures: Appendix A, Qualification Criteria for Required Navigation Performance Approach (RNP APCH) Operations.
• RNP APCH Procedures to LNAV/VNAV Approach Minimums: Appendix B, Use of Barometric Vertical Navigation (baro-VNAV) for Required Navigation Performance Approach (RNP APCH) Operations.
• RNP 1 Arrival and Departure Procedures: Appendix C, Qualification Criteria for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) 1 (Terminal) Operations.
• RNP 0.3 En Route and Terminal Operations for Rotorcraft: Appendix D, Qualification Criteria for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) 0.3 (Rotorcraft) Operations.
• RNP 2 En Route Operations: Appendix E, Qualification Criteria for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) 2 Domestic, Offshore, Oceanic, and Remote Continental Operations.
• RNP 4 Operations in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace: Appendix F, Qualification Criteria for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) 4 Oceanic and Remote Continental Operations.
• RNP 10 Operations in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace: Appendix G, Qualification Criteria for Required Navigation Performance (RNP) 10 Oceanic and Remote Continental Operations.
Note: Area Navigation (RNAV) 10 is designated and authorized as RNP 10. This document uses the designation of RNP 10.
• Advanced RNP En Route, Terminal, or Approach Operations: Appendix H, Advanced Required Navigation Performance (A-RNP).
• Additional Capabilities: Appendix I.
Note: The contents of this AC reflect and harmonize with ICAO Doc 9613, fourth edition, Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Manual (see Table 5-1).
1.2 Alternative Method. In lieu of following the guidance in this AC without deviation, operators may elect to follow an alternative method, provided the alternative method is found to be acceptable by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
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CHAPTER 2. APPLICABILITY
2.1 Audience. The guidance contained in this advisory circular (AC) applies to all operators conducting Required Navigation Performance (RNP) operations under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91, 91 subpart K (91K), 121, 125, 129, and 135 within the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). It also applies to all U.S.
operators conducting RNP operations offshore as defined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order JO 7400.9( ), Airspace Designations and Reporting Points;
and oceanic and remote continental airspace. This AC also applies to all U.S. operators conducting RNP operations in foreign airspace, where the foreign authority has implemented RNP in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Doc 9613.
2.2 Approach Guidance Not Applicable to this AC. This AC does not apply to Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP AR) covered by AC 90-101( ), Approval Guidance for RNP Procedures with AR. Guidance for operators to conduct 14 CFR part 97 instrument flight rules (IFR), Area Navigation (RNAV) global positioning system (GPS), instrument approach procedures (IAP) with localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV), and localizer performance without vertical guidance (LP) lines of minima using the wide area augmentation system (WAAS) is covered in AC 90-107( ), Guidance for Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance and Localizer Performance without Vertical Guidance Approach Operations in the U.S. National Airspace System.
2.3 Terms. Mandatory terms used in this AC such as “must” are used only in the sense of ensuring applicability of these particular methods of compliance when the acceptable means of compliance (AMC) described herein are used. This AC does not change, add, or delete regulatory requirements or authorize deviations from regulatory requirements.
2.3.1 Major and Minor Failures. The terms of major and minor failure conditions are referenced from ICAO Doc 9613. Refer to AC 20-138( ), Airworthiness Approval of Positioning and Navigation Systems, for specific failure conditions and system performance requirements.
2.4 References. Most of the document references in this AC are the most current version as designated by parentheses ( ) placed at the end of the document title. In some cases, the actual version will be indicated by a letter. Documents without ( ) or a letter after the end of the document title designates all versions apply. As a convenience, most references are hyperlinked to the appropriate Web site containing the most current document. To navigate to the most current AC, Order, or Technical Standard Order (TSO), use the following links:
• Advisory Circulars,
• FAA Order, and
• Technical Standard Orders.
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2.5 Aircraft Eligibility and Aircraft Modification. Aircraft eligibility provided in this AC provides guidance for an operator to determine if their aircraft is capable of conducting these operations. This guidance is not appropriate for conducting any modifications to aircraft type design. Detailed and complete airworthiness guidance is available in AC 20-138( ) and should be used by all airworthiness applicants.
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CHAPTER 3. DOCUMENTATION
3.1 Cancellation. Advisory Circular (AC) 90-105, Approval Guidance for RNP Operations and Barometric Vertical Navigation in the U.S. National Airspace System is cancelled.
AC 90-94, Guidelines for Using Global Positioning System Equipment for IFR En Route and Terminal Operations and for Nonprecision Instrument Approaches in the U.S.
National Airspace System (dated 12/14/1994) and AC 90-97, Use of Barometric Vertical Navigation (VNAV) for Instrument Approach Operations Using Decision Altitude (dated 10/19/2000) were cancelled with the publication of AC 90-105 (dated 1/23/2009).
Note: Guidance from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 8400.33, Procedures for Obtaining Authorization for Required Navigation Performance 4 (RNP-4) Oceanic and Remote Area Operations, and FAA Order 8400.12C, Required Navigation Performance 10 (RNP 10) Operational Authorization, are included in this AC.
3.2 FAA ACs and Orders. Please refer to the links provided in the bullets of paragraph 2.4 to obtain the latest ACs and/or orders.
• AC 20-138( ), Airworthiness Approval of Positioning and Navigation Systems.
• AC 20-153( ), Acceptance of Aeronautical Data Processes and Associated Databases.
• AC 23.1309-1( ), System Safety Analysis and Assessment for Part 23 Airplanes.
• AC 25.1309-1( ), System Design and Analysis.
• AC 25-15( ), Approval of Flight Management Systems in Transport Category Airplanes.
• AC 90-100( ), U.S. Terminal and En Route Area Navigation (RNAV) Operations.
• AC 90-101( ), Approval Guidance for RNP Procedures with AR.
• AC 90-107( ), Guidance for Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance and Localizer Performance without Vertical Guidance Approach Operations in the U.S. National Airspace System.
• AC 91-70( ), Oceanic and International Operations.
• AC 120-29( ), Criteria for Approval of Category I and Category II Weather Minima for Approach.
• AC 120-70( ), Operational Authorization Process for Use of Data Link Communication System.
• Order 7110.82, Reporting Oceanic Errors.
• Order 7400.9( ), Airspace Designations and Reporting Points.
• Order 8260.3B CHG 26, United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS).
• Order 8260.19F, Flight Procedures and Airspace.
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• Order 8260.42B, United States Standard for Helicopter Area Navigation (RNAV).
• Order 8260.46E, Departure Procedure (DP) Program.
• Order 8260.53, Standard Instrument Departures that Use Radar Vectors to Join RNAV Routes.
• Order 8260.58, United States Standard for Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Instrument Procedure Design.
3.3 Related Regulations Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).
• Part 71, §§ 71.31 and 71.71.
• Part 91, § 91.123, 91.175, 91.205, and Subpart H.
• Part 95.
• Part 97, § 97.20.
• Part 121, §§ 121.349, 121.351, and 121.567, Appendix G.
• Part 125, §§ 125.203, 125.287, and 125.325.
• Part 129, § 129.17.
• Part 135, § 135.165.
3.4 FAA Technical Standard Orders (TSO).
• TSO-C106, Air Data Computer.
• TSO-C115b, Airborne Area Navigation Equipment Using Multisensor Inputs.
• TSO-C115c or later, Airborne Area Navigation Equipment Using Multisensor Inputs.
• TSO-C129a, Airborne Supplemental Navigation Equipment Using the Global Positioning System (GPS).
• TSO-C145, Airborne Navigation Sensors Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) Augmented by the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS).
• TSO-C146, Stand-Alone Airborne Navigation Equipment Using the Global Positioning System (GPS) Augmented by the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS).
• TSO-C196, Airborne Supplemental Navigation Sensors for Global Positioning System Equipment using Aircraft-Based Augmentation.
3.5 RTCA Documents. Copies of the following RTCA, Inc. documents may be obtained from RTCA, Inc., 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 805, Washington, DC 20036, or purchased on-line at http://www.rtca.org/store_list.asp.
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• RTCA/DO-178( ), Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification.
• RTCA/DO-187( ), Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Airborne Area Navigation Equipment Using Multisensor Inputs.
• RTCA/DO-201( ), Standards for Aeronautical Information.
• RTCA/DO-208( ), Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Airborne Supplemental Navigation Equipment Using Global Positioning System (GPS).
• RTCA/DO-229( ), Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Global Positioning System/Wide Area Augmentation System Airborne Equipment.
• RTCA/DO-236( ), Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards: Required Navigation Performance for Area Navigation.
• RTCA/DO-283( ), Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Required Navigation Performance for Area Navigation.
• RTCA/DO-316( ), Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Global Positioning System/Aircraft -based Augmentation System Airborne Equipment.
3.6 Other Documents. Copies of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) documents may be obtained from Document Sales Unit, ICAO, 999 University Street, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 5H7, Canada:
• ICAO Doc 9613, Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Manual.
• ICAO Doc 4444 PANS ATM, Procedures for Air Navigation Services, Air Traffic Management.
• ICAO Doc 7030, Regional Supplementary Procedures (SUPPS).
• Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP), United States, 2014.
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CHAPTER 4. GENERAL INFORMATION
4.1 Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) Concept. The PBN concept represents a shift from ground-based navigation to Area Navigation (RNAV). Performance requirements are identified in navigation specifications (Nav Spec) (e.g., the requirements in this advisory circular (AC)), which also identify the choices of navigation sensors, navigation equipment, operational procedures, and training needed to meet the performance requirements.
4.1.1 Components. The PBN concept specifies aircraft Required Navigation Performance (RNP) system performance requirements in terms of accuracy, integrity, availability, continuity, and functionality needed for particular operations or airspace. The Navigation Application is achieved by the use of a Navigational Aid (NAVAID) infrastructure and associated Nav Spec (See Figure 4-1, Performance-Based Navigation Concept).
Figure 4-1. Performance-Based Navigation Concept
4.1.1.1 Navigation Application. This is defined as the application of a Nav Spec and the supporting NAVAID infrastructure, to routes, procedures, and/or defined airspace volume, in accordance with the intended airspace concept. For example, in the terminal area, the Nav Spec is RNP 1 with an accuracy of 1 nautical mile (NM). The NAVAID infrastructure would be Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) or distance measuring equipment (DME)/DME.
4.1.1.2 NAVAID Infrastructure. NAVAID infrastructure refers to space-based and/or ground-based NAVAIDs available to meet the requirements in the Nav Spec.
4.1.1.3 Nav Spec. A set of aircraft and aircrew requirements needed to support PBN operations within a defined airspace. There are two kinds of Nav Spec:
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