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 RNAV instrument approach that allows for curvilinear flight paths and steeper descents, enabling access to challenging airports like Aspen where standard precision approaches are not feasible.
- The newly approved Aspen Runway 15 RNAV (RNP) N approach significantly enhances safety and accessibility, offering lower minimums, a stable 3.5-degree approach, guided missed approach procedures, and the capability for night operations and Category D aircraft.
- Utilizing RNP approaches requires specific pilot training (e.g., LOA C384), aircraft equipped with RNP 0.1 capability and Radius to Fix (RF) legs, and operator approvals such as LOA/Ops Spec C384 and C081.
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