FAA · Information for Operators (InFO)
InFO 16020: Naming of Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP) in the United States (U.S.) and at International Airports.
In Brief
What It Addresses
This InFO serves to notify operators about changes regarding the titling of PBN IAPs, which are changing at some locations outside of the U.S. from “RNAV (GNSS) RWY XX” to “RNP RWY XX” and “RNAV (RNP) RWY XX” to “RNP RWY XX (AR)”. This InFO also informs operators about revisions to Operations Specifications (OpSpec), Management Specifications (MSpec) and Letter of Authorizations (LOA) to address the approach naming changes and minimize potential confusion regarding authorized operations.
Why It Matters
In 2014, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) revised Document 8168 Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Aircraft Operations (PANS-OPS) to change the titles of PBN IAPs and terminal procedures. The revision recommended that States retitle PBN IAPs from “RNAV” to “RNP” no later than December 1, 2022.
Recommended Action
Operators of aircraft, directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, dispatch supervisors, fractional ownership program managers and training managers should accomplish the following actions: 1. Consult applicable foreign AIPs for awareness of changes to PBN IAP; 2.
From the Document: selected source passages, quoted as written, for a quick overview.
Distributed by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-400
http://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/info An InFO contains valuable information for operators that should help them meet certain administrative, regulatory, or operational requirements with relatively low urgency or impact on safety.
Subject: Naming of Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP) in the United States (U.S.) and at International Airports.
Purpose: This InFO serves to notify operators about changes regarding the titling of PBN IAPs, which are changing at some locations outside of the U.S. from “RNAV (GNSS) RWY XX” to “RNP RWY XX” and “RNAV (RNP) RWY XX” to “RNP RWY XX (AR)”. This InFO also informs operators about revisions to Operations Specifications (OpSpec), Management Specifications (MSpec) and Letter of Authorizations (LOA) to address the approach naming changes and minimize potential confusion regarding authorized operations.
Background: In 2014, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) revised Document 8168 Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Aircraft Operations (PANS-OPS) to change the titles of PBN IAPs and terminal procedures. The revision recommended that States retitle PBN IAPs from “RNAV” to “RNP” no later than December 1, 2022. As a result, several States began to make changes in 2015. However, the title “RNAV” will be retained in the U.S. to maintain operational safety and avoid costs related to retitling several thousand PBN IAPs. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does plan to implement other coordinated changes to charting of U.S.
PBN procedures in the future to enhance usability and align with ICAO guidance.
Discussion: While the U.S. does not intend to change the titles of PBN IAPs from RNAV to RNP, the FAA is taking measures to address the ICAO changes by inserting a note into OpSpec/MSpec/LOA C052, Straight-In Non-Precision, APV, and Category I Precision Approach and Landing Minima—All Airports, such that authorization to fly “RNAV (GPS)” IAP should extend to procedures in foreign states titled “RNAV (GNSS) RWY XX” and/or “RNP RWY XX”. Similarly, a note in OpSpec/MSpec/LOA C384, Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Procedures With Authorization Required (AR), will reflect ICAO changes from “RNAV (RNP) RWY XX” to RNP RWY XX (AR)”.
ICAO published Circular 336, Area Navigation (RNAV) to Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Instrument Approach chart Depiction, to describe what steps States should take to promote safe and effective transitions to the new PBN IAP naming. However, State implementations of the changes have varied considerably, so operators flying PBN procedures at locations outside the U.S. should pay particular attention to applicable foreign Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP) to determine eligibility and pertinent operational information. The FAA continues to work with ICAO and other relevant stakeholders to address concerns related to these changes.
InFOInformation for Operators
U.S. Department
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration
InFO 16020
DATE: 11/2/16
Flight Standards Service
Washington, DC
Distributed by: AFS-200 OPR: AFS-400
Recommended Action: Operators of aircraft, directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, dispatch supervisors, fractional ownership program managers and training managers should accomplish the following actions:
1. Consult applicable foreign AIPs for awareness of changes to PBN IAP;
As necessary for foreign operations, update OpSpec C052 and, as applicable, C384 templates to include the new note(s);
3. Understand the differences in approach titling and that at international locations “RNP RWY XX” is not necessarily “RNP AR”; and 4. Ensure pilots are aware of the changes and inquire if there is any confusion regarding type of PBN approach either in the U.S or at international locations.
Contact: Questions or comments concerning FAA efforts can be directed to Mike Webb, Program Analyst, Flight Procedure Standards Branch, AFS-420, at (202) 267-8942. Questions or comments regarding ICAO guidance should be directed to the ICAO PBN Program Office, 999 Robert-Bourassa Boulevard, Montréal, Quebec, H3C 5H7 Canada at (514) 954-8219, extension 6718/6011 or, via email at pbn@icao.int.
Source: Federal Aviation Administration — www.faa.gov. Reproduced from the published record; FlightPush adds formatting only.
InFO 16020