PBN — Performance-Based Navigation (Awareness)
Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) is the modern ICAO concept for route navigation. Instead of each point being dependent on a navaid, performance specifications are defined that a combined navigation system (GNSS, INS, VOR/DME, etc.) must meet.
For PPL only "awareness" matters — PBN procedures are primarily for commercial IFR. But: GPS approaches (RNP APCH) are becoming important for GA too.
Source: ICAO Doc 9613 Performance-based Navigation (PBN) Manual (5th ed. 2024).
Basic concept
Classical: "Navigate via VOR XXX, then VOR YYY, then …" PBN: "Navigate to waypoint XXX (Lat/Lon) with lateral accuracy 1 NM at least 95 % of the time."
The aircraft uses all available sensors (GPS, DME, INS, VOR) to meet the accuracy requirement.
Two main families
RNAV (Area Navigation)
- "Navigation to any waypoint within the service area of navaids or with autonomous capability."
- Specifications: RNAV-1, RNAV-2, RNAV-5, RNAV-10.
- Number = lateral accuracy in NM (95 % of the time).
RNP (Required Navigation Performance)
- Like RNAV, but with Onboard Performance Monitoring and Alerting (OBPMA).
- The aircraft alerts the pilot when it exceeds the accuracy.
- Specifications: RNP 1, RNP 2, RNP APCH (approach), RNP AR (authorisation required, very tight).
Key specifications
| Specification | Accuracy | Application |
|---|---|---|
| RNAV 10 | 10 NM | ocean, far-east |
| RNAV 5 | 5 NM | cross-country in continental airspace |
| RNAV 1 | 1 NM | terminal area, SIDs/STARs |
| RNP 1 | 1 NM | terminal area, with OBPMA |
| RNP APCH | 0.3 NM (LNAV/VNAV) | GPS approach |
| RNP AR APCH | ≤ 0.3 NM, often 0.1 NM | tight approaches in mountains (e.g. Lugano, Aspen) |
What does this mean for VFR-PPL?
- Generally: VFR needs no PBN approval — pilotage and DR suffice.
- But: many aircraft now have GPS with RNP approach capability. As you ascend into the commercial world (IR, CPL), PBN certification is added.
- EFB / moving map often shows PBN waypoints and trajectories.
Implementation in Europe
Per EU Implementing Regulation 2018/1048 (PBN Implementing Rule), certain PBN applications in the EU are progressively binding for IFR traffic:
- RNAV 5 on cross-country (since 2010).
- RNP APCH (LNAV minimum) at all IFR fields with published approaches (since 2024, phased).
- RNAV 1 for SIDs/STARs in terminal areas.
VFR: no direct effect.
Designations on VFR charts
On an ICAO 1
,000 chart, RNP waypoints (5-letter codes like "BIBOS", "MORAL", "TIGRA") are sometimes shown — these are primarily for IFR but can be used by VFR pilots as visual reporting points if visible locally or fixed by VOR/GPS.Outlook
- Free Route Airspace (FRA): pilot can fly directly waypoint to waypoint without fixed route — based on RNP.
- EFB integration: future VFR-mandatory products (e.g. SIGMETs, NOTAMs) may be described in PBN-waypoint terms.
- U-Space / UTM (drones): uses similar performance-based concepts for UAS traffic.