RNP stands for “required navigational performance,” and it indicates a special level of RNAV instrument approach made possible by a collective effort between the approach designer—in this case, Honeywell—the operator, the airport, and the FAA. Alaska Airlines was an early pioneer of the concept, which helped open up airports in its route structure such as Juneau, Alaska, to improved instrument approaches as GPS-based RNAV came into maturity.
Honeywell Receives FAA Approval for Aspen RNAV (RNP) Approach
Key Takeaways:
- RNP (Required Navigational Performance) is an advanced GPS-based RNAV instrument approach enabling safe, curvilinear flight paths into challenging airports where standard approaches are not feasible.
- The new FAA-approved Runway 15 RNAV (RNP) N approach for Aspen significantly improves access, offering lower minimums (537 ft), a stable 3.5-degree approach, guided missed approaches, and capabilities for night operations and Category D aircraft.
- Utilizing RNP approaches requires specific pilot training, aircraft equipped with advanced RNAV (RNP) capabilities (e.g., RNP 0.1, RF legs), and relevant operator approvals like LOA/Ops Spec C384 and C081.
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