Definition
A status indicating that an aircraft, its avionics, and its flight crew meet all the equipment, certification, and training requirements needed to fly Performance-Based Navigation procedures. Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) is a system of flying defined routes using onboard navigation equipment that must meet specified performance standards for accuracy, integrity, continuity, and availability, rather than relying on ground-based navigation aids alone. Being PBN approved means the aircraft is legally and technically eligible to fly RNAV and RNP procedures called for in departures, arrivals, en route segments, and approaches.
Plain English
The aircraft, its navigation equipment, and the pilot are all officially cleared to fly modern satellite- and computer-based routes that require a guaranteed level of navigation accuracy.
Context Anchor
Seen in notes and guidance for area navigation departures, especially when a departure requires a specific navigation capability before the pilot may use it.
Derivation
Performance-Based Navigation is named for its core idea: routes are defined by the navigation performance the aircraft must achieve, not by the equipment it uses to get there. 'Approved' simply means an authority (the FAA, the manufacturer, and the operator's training program) has signed off that the standard is met.
Why Pilots Care
Determines access to efficient RNAV routes and procedures that reduce flight time and fuel use while meeting required safety and accuracy standards.
Intuition Check
Do not read approved as “the pilot thinks it will work.” In this context, approved means the aircraft, equipment, and any required authorization meet the published navigation requirements. PBN approved also does not automatically mean “has GPS”; the system must meet the specific performance standard for the procedure.
Example Sentence 1
The SID required RNAV 1 capability, so the captain confirmed the aircraft was PBN approved before accepting the clearance.
Example Sentence 2
The clearance was accepted only after verifying the airplane met PBN approved requirements for the route.