Definition
An instrument approach procedure that uses GPS-based area navigation to provide precise lateral and vertical guidance to a runway, allowing the aircraft to descend on a stabilized path to a low decision altitude using satellite signals augmented for accuracy and integrity.
Plain English
A type of instrument approach where the aircraft is guided to the runway using satellite navigation, with both side-to-side and up-and-down guidance accurate enough to be flown down to very low altitudes before the pilot needs to see the runway.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA glossary, airport, and instrument approach discussions when describing runways that have GPS-based approach guidance.
Derivation
Area Navigation (RNAV) means navigating directly between any two points rather than along fixed ground-based airways. GPS refers to the satellite system that provides position data. Precision indicates the approach delivers vertical guidance accurate enough to meet precision approach standards.
Why Pilots Care
Enables precision approaches at airports without ILS infrastructure, improving access and safety in lower weather conditions.
Grounding Statement
Picture turning onto final and having the approved GPS approach guide both your alignment with the runway and your descent toward it.
Intuition Check
Precision does not mean the system is perfect, and it does not mean every RNAV (GPS) approach is a precision runway. Here it means the runway is served by an approved GPS-based approach that gives both sideways and downward guidance.
Example Sentence 1
Because the weather was low, the crew briefed the RNAV GPS precision approach to runway 16.
Example Sentence 2
Runway 27 is listed as an Area Navigation (RNAV) Global Positioning System (GPS) Precision Runway with LPV minima to 200 feet.