Section 5. Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes

1. PURPOSE

Area navigation (RNAV) is a method of navigation that permits aircraft operation on any desired flight path within the coverage of ground- or space-based navigation aids, or within the limits of the capability of self-contained aids, or a combination of these. The potential advantages of RNAV routes include:

1. Time and fuel savings;
2. Reduced dependence on radar vectoring, and speed assignments allowing a reduction in required ATC transmissions; and
3. More efficient use of airspace.

1. RNAV ROUTE CRITERIA

1. Refer to FAA Orders 7100.41, Performance Based Navigation Implementation Process; 8260.3, United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS); 8260.19, Flight Procedures and Airspace; and 8260.58, United States Standard for Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Instrument Procedure Design, for criteria and procedures applicable to RNAV route development.
2. The basic width of an RNAV route is 8 NM (4 NM each side of the route centerline).
3. Operational and airworthiness guidance regarding operation on U.S. Area Navigation routes may be found in AC 90-100, U.S. Terminal and En Route Area Navigation (RNAV) Operations.

1. WAYPOINTS

1. A waypoint is a predetermined geographical position defined in terms of latitude/longitude coordinates, using a degrees, minutes, seconds, and hundredths of a second format.
2. RNAV waypoints are used not only for navigation references, but also for ATC operational fixes. Waypoints are to be established along RNAV routes at:

1. The beginning and end points of the route;
2. Points where a route changes direction;
3. Holding fixes; and
4. Points required due to the maximum distance allowed between NAVAIDs, fixes or waypoints.

1. Waypoint names must consist of a single, five-letter pronounceable name. Five-letter names are assigned by AIS (see paragraph 3-3-4 in this order).

1. LATERAL PROTECTED AIRSPACE CRITERIA FOR RNAV EN ROUTE SEGMENTS

The primary en route obstacle clearance area has a width of 8 NM; 4 NM on each side of the centerline of the route. Primary, secondary, and turning area criteria are found in FAA Orders 8260.3, United States Standard for Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS); 8260.19, Flight Procedures and Airspace; and/or 8260.58, United States Standard for Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Instrument Procedure Design, as applicable.

1. RNAV ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS

1. RNAV route descriptions are published in Order JO 7400.11. RNAV routes consist of points that may be defined as waypoints, fixes, and/or ground-based navigation aids.
2. RNAV route descriptions must be formatted as follows:

1. On line one:

1. The route number; and
2. The route start/end points (i.e., point name, state, and NAVAID ID as required);

1. On subsequent lines for each point that makes up the route:

1. The point name, state, and NAVAID ID as required;
2. The type of point (i.e., WP, Fix, or NAVAID type); and
3. The geographic coordinates of each point expressed in degrees, minutes, seconds, and hundredths of a second.

1. On the last line, if applicable: Any exclusions from the route (e.g., “Excluding the airspace within Canada”).

1. See Section 1 of this chapter for information on route numbering.
2. Examples of RNAV route descriptions: