AIM

4/3/14

1−2−6

Area Navigation (RNAV) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP)

after the expiration date of the database, the operator must
not use the database to conduct the operation.

b. Types of RNAV Systems that Qualify as a

Suitable RNAV System. 

When installed in accord-

ance with appropriate airworthiness installation

requirements and operated in accordance with

applicable operational guidance (e.g., aircraft flight

manual and Advisory Circular material), the

following systems qualify as a suitable RNAV

system:

1.

An RNAV system with TSO−C129/

−C145/−C146 equipment, installed in accordance

with AC 20−138, Airworthiness Approval of Global

Positioning System (GPS) Navigation Equipment for

Use as a VFR and IFR Supplemental Navigation

System, or AC 20−130A, Airworthiness Approval of

Navigation or Flight Management Systems Integrat-

ing Multiple Navigation Sensors, and authorized for

instrument flight rules (IFR) en route and terminal

operations (including those systems previously

qualified for “GPS in lieu of ADF or DME”

operations), or

2.

An RNAV system with DME/DME/IRU

inputs that is compliant with the equipment

provisions of AC 90−100A, U.S. Terminal and

En Route Area Navigation (RNAV) Operations, for

RNAV routes. A table of compliant equipment is

available at the following website:
h t t p : / / w w w . f a a . g o v / a b o u t / o f f i c e _ o r g /
headquarters_offices/avs/offices/afs/afs400/afs47
0/policy_guidance/

NOTE

−

Approved RNAV systems using DME/DME/IRU, without
GPS/WAAS position input, may only be used as a substitute
means of navigation when specifically authorized by a
Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or other FAA guidance for a
specific procedure. The NOTAM or other FAA guidance
authorizing the use of DME/DME/IRU systems will also
identify any required DME facilities based on an FAA
assessment of the DME navigation infrastructure.

c. Uses of Suitable RNAV Systems.

Subject to

the operating requirements, operators may use a

suitable RNAV system in the following ways.

1.

Determine aircraft position relative to, or

distance from a VOR (see NOTE 5 below), TACAN,

NDB, compass locator, DME fix; or a named fix

defined by a VOR radial, TACAN course, NDB

bearing, or compass locator bearing intersecting a

VOR or localizer course.

2.

Navigate to or from a VOR, TACAN, NDB,

or compass locator.

3.

Hold over a VOR, TACAN, NDB, compass

locator, or DME fix.

4.

Fly an arc based upon DME.

NOTE

−

1. The allowances described in this section apply even
when a facility is identified as required on a procedure (for
example, “Note ADF required”).

2. These operations do not include lateral navigation on
localizer

−based courses (including localizer back−course

guidance) without reference to raw localizer data.

3. Unless otherwise specified, a suitable RNAV system
cannot be used for navigation on procedures that are
identified as not authorized (“NA”) without exception by
a NOTAM.  For example, an operator may not use a RNAV
system to navigate on a procedure affected by an expired or
unsatisfactory flight inspection, or a procedure that is
based upon a recently decommissioned NAVAID.

4. Pilots may not substitute for the NAVAID (for example,
a VOR or NDB) providing lateral guidance for the final
approach segment. This restriction does not refer to
instrument approach procedures with “or GPS” in the title
when using GPS or WAAS. These allowances do not apply
to procedures that are identified as not authorized (NA)
without exception by a NOTAM, as other conditions may
still exist and result in a procedure not being available. For
example, these allowances do not apply to a procedure
associated with an expired or unsatisfactory flight
inspection, or is based upon a recently decommissioned
NAVAID.

5. For the purpose of paragraph c, “VOR” includes VOR,
VOR/DME, and VORTAC facilities and “compass
locator” includes locator outer marker and locator middle
marker.