Definition
The published minimum descent values on an RNAV (GPS) approach chart that apply when the aircraft is using both lateral (LNAV) and vertical (VNAV) guidance from approved navigation equipment. These minimums consist of a Decision Altitude (DA) rather than a Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA), because the approach is flown along a continuous, computed glidepath. To use LNAV/VNAV minimums, the aircraft must have an approved system capable of providing the vertical guidance, such as WAAS or a baro-VNAV system, and any temperature, equipment, or NOTAM restrictions on the chart must be observed.
Plain English
The lowest altitude you are allowed to descend to on a GPS approach when your equipment is giving you both side-to-side and up-and-down guidance down to the runway. Because you are flying a steady descent path rather than stepping down, this minimum is shown as a Decision Altitude — the point where you must either see the runway or go around.
Context Anchor
Seen on RNAV approach charts in the minimums section, usually as a line labeled LNAV/VNAV.
Derivation
LNAV stands for Lateral Navigation and VNAV for Vertical Navigation. The slash means both kinds of guidance are being used together. 'Minimums' refers to the lowest altitude or height the pilot may descend to on that approach.
Why Pilots Care
These minimums are lower than LNAV-only minimums, allowing pilots to continue the approach in poorer weather when vertical path guidance is available.
Intuition Check
Minimums does not mean the lowest the airplane can physically go. Here it means the published legal limits for that specific approach and equipment setup.
Example Sentence 1
Because the aircraft was WAAS-equipped and the temperature was within limits, the crew briefed the LNAV/VNAV minimums of 580 feet for the RNAV approach into Runway 27.
Example Sentence 2
With VNAV active, the aircraft could legally continue to the LNAV/VNAV minimums instead of leveling off at the higher LNAV altitude.