Definition
A-RNAV refers to area navigation systems that meet enhanced performance standards beyond basic RNAV, typically including required navigation performance (RNP) capabilities, higher accuracy, integrity monitoring, and the ability to fly more demanding procedures such as curved paths and tighter route widths. It supports operations that depend on the aircraft staying within a defined corridor with a known level of confidence.
Plain English
A more capable version of area navigation. The aircraft can fly point-to-point routes anywhere in space, but with tighter accuracy and built-in checks that confirm the navigation is trustworthy.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedure material, route requirements, and aircraft equipment discussions where a procedure requires a specific navigation capability.
Derivation
Area Navigation (RNAV) means navigating directly between any two points rather than only along ground-based navaid airways. Advanced indicates the system meets stricter performance standards, including the ability to monitor and report its own accuracy.
Why Pilots Care
Allows more direct and fuel-efficient routes and access to procedures that conventional navigation cannot support.
Intuition Check
“Advanced” does not mean the procedure is simply more difficult. Here it means the navigation system must meet higher capability and approval requirements.
Example Sentence 1
The crew confirmed the aircraft was equipped for A-RNAV before accepting the RNP approach clearance.
Example Sentence 2
Before departure the crew confirmed the aircraft met A-RNAV performance requirements for the assigned route.