PBN Navigation
Performance Based Navigation (PBN) is the ICAO framework that specifies aircraft area navigation (RNAV) and required navigation performance (RNP) requirements. Established by ICAO Doc 9613 (PBN Manual), PBN has transformed global airspace design, replacing sensor-specific requirements with performance-based specifications. By 2030, ICAO aims for full PBN implementation across all member states. This guide covers PBN concepts, navigation specifications, approach types, and how to prepare for PBN operations.
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Who Needs This
ICAO (Global)
ICAO Assembly Resolution A36-23 established PBN as the global navigation standard. Target: all states implement PBN by 2030.
FAA (United States)
FAA leads PBN implementation. WAAS coverage enables LPV approaches at 4,000+ airports. NextGen program relies on PBN.
EASA States
PBN implemented per EU 2018/1048 (previously EU 2016/539). EGNOS enables LPV approaches across Europe.
Asia-Pacific
RNP AR widely used in terrain-challenging airports (Kathmandu, Paro, Hong Kong). MSAS and GAGAN augmentation.
Oceanic
RNP 4 and RNAV 10 for oceanic operations (Pacific, Atlantic). Reduced separation enabled by PBN.
What's Covered
PBN Fundamentals
PBN Approach Operations
Navigation Sensors & Systems
Standards & Requirements
- ICAO Doc 9613 — Performance Based Navigation Manual (PBN Manual)
- Aircraft must be certified and approved for the specific navigation specification
- Crew must be trained and current on PBN operations per navigation specification
- Operator must have operational approval from the state authority
- GNSS database must be current (typically 28-day AIRAC cycle)
- RAIM prediction required for GPS-only RNP APCH operations
- RNP AR requires specific Authorization from the authority (additional crew and aircraft requirements)
Key ICAO Standards & Documents
- ICAO Doc 9613 — Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Manual (4th Edition)
- ICAO Annex 10 — Aeronautical Telecommunications, Volume I (Radio Navigation Aids)
- ICAO Assembly Resolution A36-23 — PBN Implementation
- ICAO Doc 8168 — PANS-OPS (Instrument Flight Procedure Design)
- FAA AC 90-105A — Approval Guidance for RNP Operations and Barometric VNAV
- FAA AC 90-100A — U.S. Terminal and En Route Area Navigation (RNAV) Operations
- EASA AMC 20-27 & 20-28 — Airworthiness Approval for RNAV/RNP Operations
How to Prepare
Study ICAO Doc 9613 (PBN Manual) — understand the difference between RNAV and RNP specifications
Learn the approach minima differences: LNAV, LNAV/VNAV, LPV, LP, RNP AR
Practice programming RNAV approaches in your aircraft's FMS or a simulator
Understand RAIM checks and NOTAM requirements for GPS-based approaches
Study GNSS constellation fundamentals: GPS, SBAS, RAIM, integrity, accuracy concepts
For RNP AR: understand the additional crew competency and aircraft equipage requirements
Review your operator's PBN-specific SOPs and MEL items related to RNAV/RNP
Practice identifying PBN approach types on Jeppesen or national AIP approach plates
Key Differences by Region
Most mature PBN implementation. WAAS enables LPV approaches at thousands of airports. T-routes and Q-routes for en route RNAV. AC 90-105A and AC 90-100A govern approvals.
PBN IR (EU 2018/1048) mandates PBN capability. EGNOS provides SBAS across Europe. RNP APCH mandatory for IFR operations from 2024+.
RNP AR is critical for terrain-challenged airports (Nepal, Bhutan). PBN implementation varies widely between states.
Canadian SBAS (WAAS) supports LPV approaches. CADORS reporting for PBN issues. RNP AR approvals through Transport Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RNAV and RNP?
RNAV (Area Navigation) provides navigation along any desired flight path using ground-based or satellite sensors. RNP (Required Navigation Performance) adds on-board monitoring and alerting — the system warns the crew if navigation accuracy degrades below the required level.
Do I need special training for PBN operations?
Yes. Operators must provide PBN training specific to the navigation specifications they use. RNP AR requires additional specific training and authorization. This is typically covered in type rating and airline induction training.
What is an LPV approach?
LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance) is an RNAV approach using SBAS (e.g., WAAS) that provides precision-like performance with decision altitudes as low as 200 feet — comparable to a Category I ILS but without ground-based equipment.
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