Plain English Meaning

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.

Full 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 . They include defined for the initial, intermediate, , and segments, and may provide lateral-only guidance () or, with equipment, (, , LP).