Definition
Flight operations conducted under standards that specify the required level of navigation accuracy, integrity, and capability rather than mandating specific equipment. Aircraft and crews are approved based on their ability to meet defined performance criteria, allowing flexibility in how those standards are achieved.
Plain English
Operations where what matters is how accurately and reliably the aircraft can navigate, not what specific equipment is installed to do it. If the aircraft can meet the required performance, it is approved to fly the operation.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument en route navigation discussions when routes and procedures are built around required aircraft capability instead of only the location of ground radio navigation aids.
Derivation
Performance-based simply means 'judged by performance.' The phrase reflects a shift in regulatory thinking: instead of saying 'you must have this specific box installed,' the rule says 'you must be able to do this specific job to this standard.'
Why Pilots Care
These operations permit more direct routes, reduced fuel use, and access to procedures unavailable under traditional navigation rules.
Intuition Check
Performance-based does not mean the pilot is being judged on skill during that flight. It means the operation depends on whether the aircraft, equipment, and crew can meet a stated capability standard.
Example Sentence 1
The new arrival procedure is designed for performance-based operations, so any aircraft meeting RNP 1 can fly it.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight planning the crew verified the aircraft met the required navigation performance for the performance-based operations segment.