Definition
A structure of fixed and flexible RNAV routes used in the high-altitude airspace of the United States (generally at and above 18,000 feet MSL up to FL450), allowing properly equipped aircraft to navigate point-to-point between waypoints rather than along ground-based VOR airways. It includes published Q-routes (high altitude RNAV routes) and supports random RNAV routing where ATC permits.
Plain English
A network of high-level routes that lets suitably equipped aircraft fly directly between named points using onboard navigation, instead of having to follow the older zig-zag paths between ground radio stations.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flight planning, high-altitude en route charts, and ATC clearances for aircraft equipped and approved to use RNAV routes.
Derivation
‘Area Navigation’ (RNAV) refers to navigating across an area by computed position, rather than tracking directly to or from a ground station. ‘High Altitude’ specifies the airspace tier where this routing applies. Together the phrase describes RNAV routes designed specifically for the upper en route environment.
Why Pilots Care
Enables shorter, more fuel-efficient paths and higher traffic capacity in upper airspace.
Intuition Check
“Area navigation” does not mean wandering around an area; it means following selected navigation points within the covered airspace. “High altitude” here is not just a casual description; it refers to the high-altitude instrument route system, generally at and above 18,000 feet above mean sea level.
Example Sentence 1
For the leg from Denver to Atlanta, the crew filed Q-routes through the high altitude area navigation routing structure to shorten the trip.
Example Sentence 2
ATC assigned high altitude area navigation routing to keep the jet clear of lower-altitude airways.