Definition
A navigation specification based on RNP that requires aircraft and crew to meet stricter performance and functional requirements than standard RNP. A RNP supports flight along precisely defined paths — including curved tracks, parallel offsets, and segments with tighter accuracy — and requires onboard performance monitoring and alerting to confirm the aircraft is staying within the required tolerance.
Plain English
A higher-grade version of RNP. The aircraft must follow more demanding flight paths (including curves) with greater accuracy, and the system must watch itself and warn the crew if it drifts outside what the route demands.
Context Anchor
Seen in performance-based navigation discussions, aircraft equipment approvals, and published routes or procedures that require advanced navigation capability.
Derivation
‘Advanced’ flags that this sits above standard RNP in capability. ‘Required Navigation Performance’ means the level of navigation accuracy the aircraft is required to maintain, with the equipment monitoring itself to confirm it is meeting that standard.
Why Pilots Care
A RNP approval lets pilots fly more direct and efficient routes in busy or restricted airspace while meeting strict safety margins.
Intuition Check
“Advanced” does not just mean newer or nicer equipment here; it names a specific navigation standard. “Required” means the aircraft must meet the stated navigation performance for that route or procedure.
Example Sentence 1
The arrival included an A RNP segment with a curved path, so the crew confirmed the aircraft was approved for it before accepting the clearance.
Example Sentence 2
Only aircraft certified for A RNP may fly the radius-to-fix leg on this approach.