FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Navigation SystemsMedium
A pilot is flying an RNAV (GPS) approach. The aircraft's GPS receiver indicates 'LNAV/VNAV' as the highest available service level. What does this service level provide, and what type of minima can be used?
- AProvides RNP 0.3 guidance; RNP minima can be used.
- BProvides lateral and vertical guidance; LNAV/VNAV minima can be used.
- CProvides lateral guidance only; LNAV minima can be used.
- DProvides precision approach guidance; LPV minima can be used.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Provides lateral and vertical guidance; LNAV/VNAV minima can be used.
LNAV/VNAV is a type of RNAV (GPS) approach that provides both lateral (LNAV) and vertical (VNAV) guidance. It uses WAAS or barometric aiding to achieve vertical guidance and allows the use of LNAV/VNAV minima, which are typically lower than LNAV-only minima but not as low as LPV.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While RNAV approaches are based on RNP, 'LNAV/VNAV' specifies the type of guidance and minima, not RNP 0.3 directly for the pilot.
- C. LNAV/VNAV provides both lateral and vertical guidance, not just lateral.
- D. LPV minima are associated with a higher precision WAAS service level, not LNAV/VNAV.
LNAV/VNAV Approach
An RNAV (GPS) approach service level that provides both lateral (LNAV) and vertical (VNAV) guidance, typically using WAAS or baro-VNAV, allowing for lower minima than LNAV but not as low as LPV.
- Lateral and Vertical Navigation guidance.
- Requires WAAS or Baro-VNAV.
- Minima are typically higher than LPV but lower than LNAV-only.
Memory trick: LNAV is just Line, LNAV/VNAV adds Vertical, LPV is Precision like Localizer.