Wait—there’s another new term…what is RNP?
A. RNP stands for “Required Navigational Performance.” It is a metric of system navigational capability. The FAA is moving toward a performance-based national airspace system. In the future, your ability to fly in certain areas may be governed by your ability to achieve precise navigational performance within specific tolerances. RNP-0.3 will be used for approaches, and it refers to .3 nautical mile accuracy. This accuracy may be achieved through various means (GPS, WAAS, flight management system using automatic DME updates), but your aircraft will be certified to a particular RNP. There are other requirements beyond accuracy that will be defined for each RNP operation before it is implemented.
