Definition
A type of RNAV (area navigation) instrument approach that provides both lateral course guidance and vertical path guidance to a Decision Altitude (DA). The lateral guidance comes from GPS or another approved RNAV source, and the vertical guidance comes from either barometric altimetry (Baro-VNAV) or from a satellite-based augmentation system such as WAAS. LNAV/VNAV minimums are lower than LNAV-only minimums but generally higher than LPV minimums.
Plain English
An RNAV approach that gives the pilot a left/right course and a stable up/down glidepath down to a published decision altitude, instead of stepping down level by level.
Context Anchor
Seen on RNAV instrument approach charts in the minimums section, where the chart lists the altitude and visibility limits a pilot must use for the approach.
Derivation
LNAV stands for Lateral Navigation (side-to-side course guidance). VNAV stands for Vertical Navigation (up-and-down path guidance). The combined label simply means an approach that provides both at once.
Why Pilots Care
Allows precision-like vertical guidance at airports that lack an ILS, improving access and safety.
Intuition Check
Do not read LNAV/VNAV as two separate choices. On an approach chart, it names one line of minimums that requires both lateral guidance and approved vertical guidance.
Example Sentence 1
Cleared for the RNAV approach, the pilot briefed the LNAV/VNAV minimums because the aircraft was WAAS-equipped but not approved for LPV.
Example Sentence 2
We selected the LNAV/VNAV procedure because it provided vertical guidance without requiring an ILS.