New RNAV Guidance Now Available

The FAA has refined its guidance on Area Navigation (known as RNAV).

The newly revised FAA Order 8260.54A specifies criteria for RNAV approach procedures. The RNAV system relies on the enhanced capabilities of GPS-based navigational system. The revisions to the order add additional tools for calculations to permit better use of RNAV.

As the National Airspace System evolves from one based on conventional navigation aids to an RNAV system, the capability of GPS based systems is being further utilized, and is expected to eventually support the introduction of future air traffic management mechanisms, commonly known as Next-Gen air-space management (or, among some lobbyists, “Now-Gen”).

The revised guidance is available here on the FAA”s website.