Air navigation in continental airspace has transitioned from conventional ground-based radio navigation aids to performance-based navigation (PBN). The shift to PBN enables:
- more direct routes along a flight path
- more efficient take-offs and landings
- reduced fuel burn resulting in lower aircraft emissions
- improved throughput leading to reduced airport and airspace congestion.
Performance-based navigation specifications
The following sections describe the rules relating to PBN operations.
PBN navigation specification prescribed
You may use an ATS route, terminal procedure, or instrument approach procedure with a prescribed PBN navigation specification. This applies only if you and your aircraft can comply with that specification.
No PBN navigation specification prescribed
Many ATS routes, terminal procedures, and instrument approach procedures do not specifically require the use of a particular PBN navigation specification. In these cases, if you are navigating using PBN equipment, we recommend you operate using the following specifications:
- Routes in oceanic control area (OCA) – RNP 4 where capable, otherwise RNAV 10 (RNP 10).
- Continental routes – RNP 2, where capable.
- Terminal procedures (SIDs and STARs) – RNP 1.
Approach procedures with vertical guidance
You may use the LNAV/VNAV minima on an instrument approach procedure only if you fit your aircraft with a navigation system certified for Barometric Vertical Navigation (Baro-VNAV) approach operations.
Be aware that the vertical guidance from an LNAV+V, LP+V, L/V or LPV-capable navigation system is advisory only for Australian procedures at this time. You cannot use such guidance for Baro-VNAV operations.
Learn more in our PBN Regulations eLearning Module.
The Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN) Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) should be operational from 2028.
SouthPAN will enhance navigation in all phases of flight. It also enables vertically-guided instrument approach operations, including localiser performance with vertical guidance (LPV), to most aerodromes in Australia.
Learn more about the SouthPAN project at Geoscience Australia.
Navigation specifications
Other than RNP AR APCH, you may operate an aircraft within Australian-administered airspace under any navigation specification approved for use by at least 1 of the following:
- The aircraft’s flight manual
- A document approved under Part 21 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 as part of, or based on, an airworthiness assessment
- For a foreign-registered aircraft, a document approved in writing by either the:
- National Aviation Authority of the state of registration
- State of the operator of the aircraft.
Accordingly, the pilot of an eligible aircraft can notify an eligible navigation specification on the aircraft flight plan without specific approval from us.
Owners/operators, including foreign operators, wishing to conduct RNP AR APCH should apply to us for a navigation approval.
Checking your aircraft’s certification
Your aircraft’s navigation equipment may be marked as certified to a technical standard order (TSO) capable of PBN operations.
The aircraft flight manual (AFM) or supplement should include each PBN specification for which the aircraft has an airworthiness approval. This includes RNP 2, RNP 1 or RNP APCH. If you’re unsure, check with the manufacturer.
For some older aircraft, statements in the AFM or AFM supplement declaring the aircraft has approval are acceptable. This applies to approvals for:
- GPS RNAV EN ROUTE
- GPS RNAV TERMINAL
- GPS RNAV NON-PRECISION APPROACH
- GPS RNAV LP or LPV operations.
You can find our description of acceptability within the AMC 91.287 entry in the Part 91 AMC/GM document.
Operating overseas
If you have an Australian registered aircraft and intend to operate overseas, download our Performance-based navigation advice for National Aviation Authorities. This demonstrates you meet the Australian regulatory requirements in case of a ramp check by a foreign national aviation authority.
Navigation authorisations for foreign operations
Australian aircraft operators wanting to operate in the North Atlantic high level airspace must apply to us for a NAT HLA navigation approval. This is based on the NAT Doc 007 Manual and permits suitably equipped and authorised aircraft to operate in the NAT HLA region.
Transferring ownership of aircraft
Transferring or changing ownership of an aircraft automatically renders any navigation authorisations invalid. You must notify us of any change and request any required authorisations.
Navigation databases
You can find rules relating to navigation databases used for IFR flights in sections 14.02 and 14.07 of the Part 91 Manual of Standards.
These rules cover the following topics:
- database currency
- loading routes and procedures from the database
- competency requirements for pilots using the database
- operators must get their navigation databases from approved providers (see the definition of this term in the Part 91 MOS).
Installation notes
Modern electronic display systems and other avionics systems have micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) inertial sensors fitted.
These systems often need either GNSS or pitot-static inputs (or both) to function correctly.
When installing modern equipment, installers must install systems in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation manual and include all relevant interfaces.
GNSS interference
You can find further information about interference on our GNSS interference jamming or spoofing page.