Definition
Published flight routes that allow an aircraft to fly directly between any two points within the coverage of position-referenced navigation aids, rather than being restricted to flying directly to or from ground-based stations. RNAV routes are designated in the en route structure as Q-routes (high altitude) and T-routes (low altitude), and require RNAV-capable equipment on board the aircraft.
Plain English
These are routes that let a properly equipped aircraft fly along any straight line in the sky, instead of having to zig-zag from one ground station to the next. The route is defined by waypoints (points in space), not by overflying physical antennas on the ground.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument flight rules (IFR) en route charts, in route planning, and in air traffic control clearances.
Derivation
"Area" navigation refers to the ability to navigate anywhere within an area covered by navigation signals, rather than being confined to a line between two stations. The name contrasts with traditional airway navigation, which only works along the line of sight to a single ground-based aid.
Why Pilots Care
These routes often provide shorter, more fuel-efficient paths and greater flexibility when avoiding restricted airspace or weather.
Intuition Check
“Area navigation” does not mean the pilot can fly anywhere in the area. An RNAV route is still a published route with defined points to follow.
Example Sentence 1
We filed a Q-route across the Midwest because the RNAV routing was about 80 miles shorter than the airway alternative.
Example Sentence 2
RNAV routes let the aircraft bypass a congested airway while still staying on an approved path.