This glossary is written for virtual airline and flight simulation use within Virtual Air Canada Airline. It is not intended as a real-world aviation reference.
RNP
Required Navigation Performance
Required Navigation Performance is a type of Performance-Based Navigation that adds an onboard monitoring and alerting requirement to standard RNAV capability. An RNP-equipped aircraft continuously calculates its estimated position error and compares it to the navigation accuracy requirement for the procedure being flown. If the system determines it cannot meet the required accuracy with sufficient confidence, it alerts the crew before or during the procedure, allowing them to execute a missed approach or alternate routing rather than continuing with degraded navigation.
RNP specifications range from RNP 4 (used in oceanic and remote area operations, requiring 4 NM accuracy) to RNP AR APCH (Authorization Required approach procedures, which can require accuracy as tight as 0.1 NM). RNP AR approaches allow aircraft to fly curved radius-to-fix (RF) legs and steep descent angles to reach runways that would otherwise be inaccessible in low visibility or mountainous terrain. Operators must hold specific authorization from their civil aviation authority to conduct RNP AR procedures, and crews require additional type-specific training.