Area Navigation – The Wise Pilot

A method of navigation which permits aircraft operation on any desired flight path within the coverage of ground or space-based NAVAIDs or within the limits of the capability of self-contained aids, or a combination of these.

Glossary: Barometric Vertical Navigation
A function of certain RNAV systems that presents to the pilot computed vertical guidance referenced to a specified vertical path, based on barometric altitude information and typically computed as a geometric path between two waypoints or an angle based on a single waypoint.
Glossary: Downwind Termination Waypoint
The waypoint located downwind to the landing runway abeam the final approach course fix (FACF) where an open RNAV STAR terminates.
Glossary: L-Routes
L-routes are low-level uncontrolled fixed RNAV routes depicted on En Route Low Altitude charts using green dashed lines and require GNSS RNAV systems for use. The MOCA provides obstacle protection for only 6 NM either side of the track centreline and does not splay.
Glossary: Path Definition Error
The difference between desired and defined paths which reflects errors in the navigation database, computational errors in the RNAV system and display errors. PDE is usually very small and often assumed to be negligible.
Glossary: Performance Based Navigation
Area navigation based on performance requirements for aircraft operating along an ATS route, on an instrument approach procedure or in a designated airspace.