Plain English Meaning

RNAV lets a pilot fly along any chosen route by following a series of waypoints stored in the navigation system, instead of being forced to fly straight lines between ground radio stations.

Full Definition

A method of navigation that allows an aircraft to fly any desired flight path within the coverage of position-referenced navigation aids, or within the limits of the capability of self-contained navigation systems, rather than being restricted to flying directly to or from ground-based navigation stations.

Context Anchor

Seen in flight planning, avionics setup, , and discussions about modern .