Definition
The category of instrument approach procedures that use Area Navigation (RNAV) for lateral guidance, allowing aircraft to fly point-to-point courses defined by waypoints rather than tracking signals from ground-based navigation aids. The principal RNAV approach types are GPS overlay approaches, stand-alone GPS approaches, RNAV (GPS) approaches with LNAV, LNAV/VNAV, LP, and LPV minima lines, and RNAV (RNP) approaches that require special aircraft and aircrew authorization.
Plain English
The different kinds of instrument approaches a pilot can fly using GPS or other area navigation, instead of approaches built around ground stations like an ILS or VOR. Each type has different equipment requirements and different minimum altitudes the pilot can descend to.
Context Anchor
Seen when briefing an RNAV (GPS) or RNP approach chart, especially near the bottom of the chart where the usable approach options and lowest allowed altitude and visibility values are listed.
Derivation
RNAV stands for Area Navigation. The term reflects that the aircraft navigates over an area defined by waypoints, rather than along a single radial from a ground station. The various 'types' developed over time as GPS and satellite-based augmentation capabilities expanded what an RNAV approach could safely deliver.
Why Pilots Care
They increase routing flexibility and allow approaches at airports lacking traditional navigation equipment.
Grounding Statement
On the same RNAV approach chart, one aircraft may be able to fly the LPV option while another may be limited to LNAV, depending on its equipment and approvals.
Intuition Check
Do not read “approach types” as different personal techniques for flying toward the runway. In this context, they are published chart categories with specific guidance and equipment requirements.
Example Sentence 1
During the approach briefing, the pilot identified which RNAV approach types the aircraft was equipped to fly and selected the LPV minima.
Example Sentence 2
Selecting the right RNAV approach type depends on aircraft equipage and runway alignment.