Performance-Based Navigation Best Practice Guide for ANSPs
1 Introduction to PBN
Example of an application of RNAV Phase of Flight1
PBN is a global set of area navigation standards, based on performance requirements for aircraft navigating on departure, arrival, approach or en route segments of flight. These performance requirements are expressed as navigation specifications in terms of accuracy, integrity, continuity, availability and functionality required for a particular airspace or airport. PBN does not exist in isolation but rather as an integral component of an airspace concept. The PBN concept is defined in the ICAO Document 9613, Performance-Based Navigation Manual. This encompasses two types of navigation specifications: area navigation (RNAV); and required navigation performance (RNP). RNAV specification is a navigation specification based on area navigation that does not include the requirement for on-board performance monitoring and alerting. Two common RNAV specifications are: RNAV 1 which requires a total system error of not more than 1 nautical mile (NM) for
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95 percent of the total flight time. RNAV1 is typically used in the terminal environment. RNAV 2 which requires a total system error of not more than 2 NM for 95 percent of the total flight time. RNAV2 is typically used in the en route environment. RNAV provides the potential for increasing airspace capacity both en-route and in the terminal area in two ways: First, by enabling flexible route structures which do not have to over fly ground-based NAVAIDS, allowing for more efficient use of airspace Second, by enabling the reduction in lateral separation between aircraft, airspace and obstacles Total System Error: The inability to achieve the required lateral navigation accuracy may be due to navigation errors related to aircraft tracking and positioning. The three main errors are path
ICAO DOC 9613 Performance-Based Navigation Manual Volume II Implementing RNAV and RNP Operations. Reproduced with the permission of ICAO.