Definition
An instrument approach procedure that uses Area Navigation guidance derived from the Global Positioning System satellite constellation. RNAV (GPS) approaches allow an aircraft to fly a published path defined by geographic waypoints rather than by signals radiating from ground-based navigation aids, and they may provide lateral-only guidance (LNAV), lateral guidance with vertical advisory information (LNAV/VNAV), or precision-like lateral and vertical guidance (LPV), depending on the aircraft's equipment and the procedure's published minima.
Plain English
A type of approach where the aircraft follows a path made up of GPS waypoints instead of tracking a signal from a ground station. The aircraft's navigation system uses satellites to know exactly where it is, and it guides the pilot down the approach to the runway.
Context Anchor
Seen at the top of instrument approach charts, such as “RNAV (GPS) RWY 18,” and in approach briefings before flying to an airport.
Derivation
RNAV is short for Area Navigation, meaning navigation that can take place anywhere within an area covered by signals (here, satellite signals) rather than being restricted to flying directly to or from a ground station. GPS adds the source of those signals: the satellite-based Global Positioning System. Together, the name tells you both how the path is flown (point-to-point through waypoints) and what provides the position information (GPS satellites).
Why Pilots Care
It opens up precise instrument approaches at thousands of airports that lack traditional ground-based navigation aids, increasing access and safety in low-visibility weather.
Intuition Check
Do not read “GPS” here as a phone or tablet map. RNAV (GPS) means a published instrument procedure flown with approved aircraft navigation equipment.
Example Sentence 1
With no ILS at the destination, the crew briefed and flew the RNAV (GPS) RWY 27 approach down to the LPV minimums.
Example Sentence 2
After receiving the clearance, the aircraft began the RNAV (GPS) procedure for the non-towered airport.