Plain English Meaning
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.
Full 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.
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.