Special approvals

Common PBN training and endorsement covers the majority of the navigation specifications; however, special approval on top of standard PBN training is required for RNP Authorization Required Operations (RNP AR APCH and RNP AR DP) and RNP 0.3 operations.

RNP AR Operations

The RNP AR specification represents the ICAO global standard for developing both Instrument Approach Procedures and departures to/from airports where limiting obstacles exist and/or where significant operational efficiencies can be gained.

These procedures advanced aircraft capabilities and special aircrew training.

In other words, RNP AR is a sophisticated specification designed to support operations in challenging environments and relies on GNSS and requires extensive flight crew performance with specific authorisation per procedure.

Commercial operators must have a training programme addressing the operational practices, procedures and training items related to RNP AR operations (e.g. initial, upgrade or recurrent training for pilots, dispatchers or maintenance personnel).

A thorough understanding of the operational procedures and best practices is critical to the safe operation of aircraft during RNP AR operations. This must provide sufficient detail on the aircraft’s navigation and flight control systems to enable the pilots to identify failures affecting the aircraft’s RNP capability and the appropriate abnormal/emergency procedures. Training must include both knowledge and skill assessments of the crew members’ and dispatchers’ duties.

Specific for flight crew, before starting an RNP AR procedure for which a procedure-specific approval is required, they should undertake additional ground training and flight simulator training, as appropriate. Next to this, the operator should incorporate recurrent training that employs the unique RNP AR characteristics of the operator’s RNP AR procedures as part of the overall training programme.

RNP 0.3 operations

The helicopter community identified a need for a specification that has a single accuracy of 0.3 NM for all phases of flight, recognizing that such a specification would enable a significant part of the IFR helicopter fleet to obtain benefits from PBN.

Commercial operators must have a training programme addressing the operational practices, procedures and training items related to RNP 0.3 operations e.g. initial, upgrade or recurrent training for pilots.

The training programme should provide sufficient training (e.g. simulator, training device, or aircraft) on the aircraft RNP system to the extent that the pilot is familiar with the general operating procedures, pre-flight planning, RNP 0.3 availability prediction, specific RNP 0.3 SID and STAR requirements and Contingency procedures.