Definition
A category of RNAV instrument approach procedure that demands a higher level of navigation accuracy and aircraft capability than standard RNP approaches, and which requires specific FAA authorization for the operator, the aircraft, and the flight crew before it may be flown. RNP AR procedures may include curved (radius-to-fix) path segments, approach segments with RNP values smaller than 1.0 NM (often 0.3 NM or lower), and missed approach segments with RNP values below 1.0. Operators must meet defined aircraft equipment standards, training, and operational procedures specified in FAA Advisory Circular guidance and obtain operations specifications (OpSpecs), management specifications (MSpecs), or letters of authorization before conducting these approaches.
Plain English
A special, more demanding type of GPS-based approach that not every pilot or aircraft is allowed to fly. The aircraft has to be approved for it, the crew has to be trained for it, and the operator has to have written permission from the FAA. These approaches are usually flown into difficult terrain or tight airspace and may include curved flight paths.
Context Anchor
Seen in the title or notes of certain instrument approach charts, especially when reviewing which approach procedures are available for an airport.
Derivation
The 'AR' part — Authorization Required — is the key. It signals that this isn't an approach the average IFR pilot can simply choose from the chart. Permission must be granted in advance by the FAA before anyone uses it.
Why Pilots Care
Allows safe access to runways that would otherwise be unavailable while requiring verified equipment and training to maintain safety margins.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Authorization Required” as a caution or recommendation. It means formal approval is required before flying that procedure.
Example Sentence 1
Because our flight department doesn't hold the OpSpecs for RNP AR approaches, we filed the conventional ILS into Aspen instead.
Example Sentence 2
Only authorized pilots may fly the RNP AR procedure at this airport.