HelpConsole 2008

BRNAV See RNAV

DRVSM Domestic RVSM
First, there is not a "Domestic RVSM or DRVSM."

Note: The principal difference in aircraft capability requirements between International and Oceanic RVSM and Domestic RVSM is that DRVSM has little, if any, involvement with MNPS, so the navigation equipment requirements are substantially less strict.

MNPS
MNPSA
Minimum Navigation Performance Specification

Minimum Navigation Performance Specification Airspace
The following definition is extracted from the NORTH ATLANTIC MNPS AIRSPACE OPERATIONS MANUAL - 9th EDITION

The vertical dimension of MNPS Airspace is between FL285 and FL420 (i.e. in terms of normally used cruising levels, from FL290 to FL410 inclusive). The lateral dimensions include the following Control Areas (CTAs):

REYKJAVIK (to the North Pole)
SHANWICK, GANDER and SANTA MARIA OCEANIC
NEW YORK OCEANIC North of 27� N but excluding the area west of 60�W and south of 38�30'N

Pilots MUST NOT fly across the North Atlantic within MNPS Airspace, nor at flight levels designated as RVSM Airspace, unless they are in possession of the appropriate approval(s) issued by the State of Registry or the State of the Operator. At the time this Edition was produced, RVSM applied from FL310 to FL390 throughout NAT MNPS Airspace. From circa November 2001, however, RVSM will apply in the entire NAT Region. When that happens, MNPS Airspace will then become a subdivision of RVSM Airspace.

The North Atlantic is the busiest oceanic airspace in the world. In 1997 more than 300,000 flights crossed the North Atlantic and annual traffic growth rates are typically 5 to 10%. For the most part in the North Atlantic, Direct Controller Pilot Communications (DCPC) and Radar Surveillance are unavailable. Aircraft separation assurance and hence safety are nevertheless ensured by demanding the highest standards of horizontal and vertical navigation performance/accuracy and of operating discipline. Within NAT MNPS Airspace a formal Approval Process by the State of Registry of the aircraft or the State of the Operator ensures that aircraft meet defined MNPS Standards and that appropriate crew procedures and training have been adopted.

RNAV Abbreviation for Area (R) Navigation (NAV)
The following definition is extracted from Advisory Circular AC 90-96 APPROVAL OF U.S. OPERATORS AND AIRCRAFT TO OPERATE UNDER INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES (IFR) IN EUROPEAN AIRSPACE DESIGNATED FOR BASIC AREA NAVIGATION (BRNAV/RNP-5)

Area Navigation (RNAV). This is a method which permits aircraft navigation along any desired flight path within the coverage of the associated navigation aids or within the limits of the capability of self-contained aids, or a combination of these methods. RNAV equipment is considered to be that equipment which operates by automatically determining aircraft position from one, or a combination, of the following sensors with the means to establish and follow a desired path:

(1) VOR/DME
(2) DME/DME
(3) INS or IRS
(4) LORAN C
(5) GPS

RNP Required Navigation Performance Type (RNP Type)
RNP types are established according to navigational performance accuracy in the horizontal plane, that is, lateral and longitudinal position fixing. The type is identified as an accuracy value expressed in nautical miles (e.g., RNP-5). (Definition from AC No. 90-96 See RNP-5, RNP-10 below.)

Required Navigation Performance (RNP-5, RNP-10)

RNP-5 Required Navigation Performance - 5
The following definition is extracted from FAA Advisory Circular AC No. 90-96 APPROVAL OF U.S. OPERATORS AND AIRCRAFT TO OPERATE UNDER INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES (IFR) IN EUROPEAN AIRSPACE DESIGNATED FOR BASIC AREA NAVIGATION (BRNAV/RNP-5)

Basic RNAV (BRNAV) is defined as RNAV that meets a track keeping accuracy equal to or better than /- 5 NM for 95% of the flight time (RNP-5). This value includes signal source error, airborne receiver error, display system error, and flight technical error. This navigation performance assumes the necessary coverage provided by satellite or ground based navigation aids is available for the intended route to be flown.

In brief, this is lateral traffic separation of 5 nm for approved aircraft and crew. This applies primarily to North Atlantic air navigation operations, and is planned to become more widespread.

RNP-10 Required Navigation Performance - 10
Same as RNP-5, except the separation is increased to 10 nm.

In brief, this is the lateral traffic separation of 50 nm based on 10 nm capability. This applies primarily to Pacific air navigation operations.

RVSM Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum / Minima
RVSM Minima are rules that apply to flight between 29,000 ft. and 41,000 ft (inclusive) in navigation areas that have been designated as RVSM airspace. In many cases, aircraft and crews that are certified for RVSM must also be certified for MNPS.

RVSM rules allow aircraft that are properly equipped and certified and flown by a properly trained flight crew to operate in RVSM designated airspace. Aircraft and crews that do not meet these requirements are prohibited from operating in RVSM airspace except in very limited special circumstances.

RVSM Minima allow 1000 ft. vertical separation operations.