Required Navigation Performance (RNP)


A statement of the navigational performance necessary for operation within a defined airspace. The following terms are commonly associated with RNP:
  1. Required Navigation Performance Level or Type (RNP-X). A value, in nautical miles (NM), from the intended horizontal position within which an aircraft would be at least 95-percent of the total flying time.
  2. Advanced - Required Navigation Performance (A-RNP). A navigation specification based on RNP that requires advanced functions such as scalable RNP, radius-to-fix (RF) legs, and tactical parallel offsets. This sophisticated Navigation Specification (NavSpec) is designated by the abbreviation "A-RNP".
  3. Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Airspace. A generic term designating airspace, route(s), leg(s), operation(s), or procedure(s) where minimum required navigational performance (RNP) have been established.
  4. Actual Navigation Performance (ANP). A measure of the current estimated navigational performance. Also referred to as Estimated Position Error (EPE).
  5. Estimated Position Error (EPE). A measure of the current estimated navigational performance. Also referred to as Actual Navigation Performance (ANP).
  6. Lateral Navigation (LNAV). A function of area navigation (RNAV) equipment which calculates, displays, and provides lateral guidance to a profile or path.
  7. Vertical Navigation (VNAV). A function of area navigation (RNAV) equipment which calculates, displays, and provides vertical guidance to a profile or path.
(PCG defintion).

A specified level of accuracy defined by a lateral area of confined airspace in which an RNP-certified aircraft operates. (PHAK definition)

Source: Pilot Contoller Glossary (PCG), Pilot Handbook of Aeronatical Knowledge)