Definition
An instrument approach procedure designed to be flown using GPS as the sole primary navigation source, without requiring any ground-based navigation aid (such as VOR, ILS, or NDB) to fly the final approach segment. These approaches are charted as 'RNAV (GPS) RWY XX' and provide lateral guidance, and in many cases vertical guidance, derived entirely from satellite-based positioning. The aircraft must be equipped with an approach-approved GPS receiver that meets the appropriate TSO standards, and the procedure may include LNAV, LNAV/VNAV, LPV, or LP minima lines depending on the receiver's capability and the procedure design.
Plain English
An instrument approach you fly using GPS by itself, with no need to tune in a ground station. The chart will be titled 'RNAV (GPS) RWY' followed by the runway number.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument approach charts labeled RNAV (GPS), especially when planning or briefing an approach in instrument conditions.
Derivation
Stand-alone' means the approach stands on its own — it does not lean on any other navigation system to function. 'RNAV' stands for Area Navigation, meaning the aircraft can fly a direct route between any two points rather than only along ground-station radials. The '(GPS)' in parentheses tells the pilot that GPS is the required source of that area navigation.
Why Pilots Care
It provides instrument approach capability to airports that lack traditional ground-based systems such as ILS or VOR, expanding safe landing options in low visibility.
Intuition Check
Stand-alone does not mean “any GPS will do.” Here it means the published approach is designed to be flown with approved aircraft GPS/RNAV equipment as the navigation source, without needing a separate ground-based signal for course guidance.
Example Sentence 1
With no ILS available at the destination, the pilot briefed the RNAV (GPS) RWY 16 approach and confirmed the GPS database was current before departure.
Example Sentence 2
Because the runway had no ILS, the crew flew the RNAV (GPS) approach and descended to the published minimums using the onboard GPS receiver.