Definition
A published instrument departure procedure that uses area navigation (RNAV) to define the route, allowing the aircraft to fly directly between defined waypoints rather than tracking to or from ground-based navigation aids. RNAV DPs are charted as either Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) or Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs) and require an aircraft equipped with suitable RNAV equipment, typically GPS or an FMS, along with appropriate authorisation.
Plain English
An RNAV DP is a departure route that the aircraft flies by going from one named point in space to the next, using onboard navigation equipment instead of following signals from ground stations.
Context Anchor
You see RNAV DPs during instrument flight rules (IFR) departure planning, in a published departure chart, or in an air traffic control clearance for leaving an airport in instrument conditions.
Derivation
RNAV stands for Area Navigation, meaning navigation through any area along a chosen path rather than only along straight lines between ground beacons. DP stands for Departure Procedure. Putting them together gives a departure route flown by point-to-point area navigation.
Why Pilots Care
RNAV DPs enable precise, efficient departure paths that can reduce fuel use, noise impact, and controller workload while maintaining terrain clearance.
Analogy
An RNAV DP is like following a programmed route out of a busy city: the turns and key points are already laid out, and your equipment guides you along that planned path.
Intuition Check
Do not assume an RNAV DP is any departure you choose to fly with GPS. It is a specific published departure procedure, and the aircraft and pilot must be able to meet its requirements.
Example Sentence 1
Before accepting the clearance, the captain confirmed the aircraft was approved for the RNAV DP and loaded the procedure into the FMS.
Example Sentence 2
The controller cleared the aircraft via the RNAV DP to join the en route structure.