Definition
A category of Required Navigation Performance (RNP) instrument approach procedure that demands tighter lateral accuracy and additional aircraft and crew capabilities beyond standard RNP, and which therefore requires specific operational authorization from the FAA before an operator may fly it. RNP AR procedures may use lateral path tolerances smaller than 1.0 nautical mile, curved (radius-to-fix) path segments, and missed approaches that also rely on RNP, allowing approaches into airports surrounded by terrain or obstacles where conventional procedures are not feasible.
Plain English
A special, more precise type of GPS-based instrument approach that lets aircraft fly very tight, sometimes curved paths into difficult airports. Because the path leaves little room for error, the FAA only allows operators to fly these approaches if their aircraft, training, and procedures have been specifically approved for it.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument procedure charts, in approach briefing, and in operator authorization documents for certain advanced instrument procedures.
Derivation
‘Authorization Required’ is the key part of the name. Standard RNP approaches can be flown by any properly equipped operator, but this category was created for procedures so demanding that the FAA wanted a separate sign-off before anyone flew them. The name reflects exactly that: an RNP approach you cannot fly without specific authorization.
Why Pilots Care
Allows safe access to airports and runways that lack conventional approaches, reducing weather-related delays and improving operational capability.
Grounding Statement
RNP AR means the path is precise, the standards are strict, and permission to use it is required.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “authorization required” is just a reminder to be careful. It means specific approval is required before the procedure may be flown.
Example Sentence 1
The captain noted that their company held the operations specifications needed to fly the RNP AR approach into the mountain-ringed airport, while the regional carrier next to them did not.
Example Sentence 2
Dispatch planned an RNP AR arrival because the destination lacked an ILS and the terrain required tighter lateral and vertical guidance.