New possibilities in advanced airspace design solutions and options are now possible thanks to the precision in airborne navigation using the improved navigation performance provided by required navigation performance (RNP) on board modern aircraft. This solution supports connectivity between free route airspace and TMAs thanks to advanced RNP below flight level 310. Aircraft with RNP specifications are equipped with on-board performance monitoring and alerting to continually check conformance.
Aircraft flying advanced A-RNP procedures can be relied on to stay within one mile on either side of the nominal flight path whether flying a straight leg or a turn. In practical terms, this means that controllers can have greater confidence in the track-keeping performance of the aircraft and this greater confidence translates into being able to place routes closer together. Nominal RNP1 routes can be designed as close as seven nautical miles (NM) in en-route sectors and as close as five NM in terminal airspace. Advanced RNP (A-RNP) routes support precise flight profiles such as spaced parallel routes, fixed radius transition (FRT) and tactical parallel offset (TPO). One of the main benefits provided by A-RNP is the potential to increase the overall efficiency of the air traffic management system, as a result of the greater flexibility of airspace design.
This allows, for example, being able to place flight paths, arrival and departure routes, in the most convenient place. The predictable turn performance inherent in A-RNP in en-route and terminal airspace also makes it possible - due to enhanced track keeping in the turn - to place routes where they cannot necessarily be placed today using less advanced navigation capabilities.
SJU references: #10/Release 5
Benefits
- Enhanced safety
- Improved operational efficiency by reducing fuel burn and emissions
- Improved air navigation service provision
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