Definition
Published instrument approach procedures that use the Global Positioning System as the primary means of navigation to guide an aircraft from the en route environment to a runway or to a missed approach point in instrument meteorological conditions. GPS approaches may be stand-alone (titled 'RNAV (GPS) RWY XX') or overlay procedures that authorize GPS use in lieu of conventional ground-based navaids. They include defined waypoints for the initial, intermediate, final, and missed approach segments, and may provide lateral-only guidance (LNAV) or, with approved equipment, vertical guidance (LNAV/VNAV, LPV, LP).
Plain English
An instrument approach where the airplane follows GPS signals to fly a published path down toward the runway, instead of using ground-based radio navigation aids.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts, in GPS flight plans, and during instrument training or IFR arrivals to airports with published GPS-based procedures.
Derivation
GPS stands for Global Positioning System, a satellite-based navigation system. “Approach” comes from the idea of coming nearer to something; in aviation, it means a published path used to get an aircraft safely closer to an airport for landing.
Why Pilots Care
They allow safe landings at many airports that lack traditional ground-based navigation aids, increasing access and reducing weather-related delays.
Grounding Statement
The GPS gives the pilot a defined path to follow toward the airport, but the pilot must still follow the published procedure and its limits.
Intuition Check
A GPS instrument approach is not just “using GPS to head toward the airport.” It is a specific published procedure with required equipment, a defined path, and published limits.
Example Sentence 1
With the ceiling at 600 feet, the pilot briefed and flew the RNAV (GPS) RWY 27 approach into the destination airport.
Example Sentence 2
During the briefing the crew noted that the GPS instrument approach offered LPV minimums nearly as low as a standard ILS.