Plain English Meaning

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.

Full 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 FAA authorization for the operator, the aircraft, and the before it may be flown. may include curved () path segments, approach segments with RNP values smaller than 1.0 NM (often 0. or lower), and segments with RNP values below 1.0. Operators must meet defined , training, and specified in FAA guidance and obtain (), management specifications (MSpecs), or letters of authorization before conducting these approaches.