Approach Types — Lowest to Highest Capability
LNAV
Non-Precision
Lateral Navigation Only
Equipment Required
IFR-certified GPS + RAIM
Vertical Guidance
None (barometric reference only)
Minimum Type
MDA — level off, continue, go-around at MAP
Typical Minimums
300–400 ft AGL
Lateral Accuracy
±0.3 nm (RNP 0.3)
LP
Non-Precision
Localiser Performance
Equipment Required
SBAS receiver (WAAS/EGNOS)
Vertical Guidance
None — lateral precision only
Minimum Type
MDA — may be lower than LNAV due to better lateral accuracy
Lateral Accuracy
±0.05 nm (ILS LOC equivalent)
LP is less common than LPV. Where LPV is available it is preferred. LP exists where vertical SBAS guidance cannot be certified but lateral SBAS can.
LNAV/VNAV
APV
Approach with Vertical Guidance
Equipment Required
Baro-VNAV FMS, or SBAS
Vertical Guidance
Computed vertical path (VNAV) from baro or SBAS
Minimum Type
DA — go-around at DA if no visual; do NOT level off
Lateral Accuracy
±0.3 nm lateral
Temperature Limitation (Baro-VNAV)
Cold temperatures cause the altimeter to read higher than actual altitude — the aircraft is lower than indicated. Cold temperature corrections are required when OAT falls below 0°C. Check your AFM and operator procedures.
LPV
Precision Equivalent
Localiser Performance with Vertical
Equipment Required
SBAS receiver (WAAS or EGNOS)
Vertical Guidance
SBAS geometric reference — no baro correction needed
Minimum Type
DA — as low as 200 ft AGL (Cat I ILS equivalent)
Temperature
No cold temperature correction required
Infrastructure
No ILS ground equipment needed at airport
LPV is the fastest-growing approach type globally. Where SBAS coverage exists, LPV delivers Cat I ILS equivalent minimums without the costly ground-based infrastructure.
RNP AR
Authorisation Required
Required Navigation Performance
Equipment Required
Advanced FMS + SBAS + special aircraft certification
Approach Path
Curved (RF legs) approaches possible
Minimum Type
DA as low as 100 ft at some airports
Authorization
Special training + airline/operator OpSpec required
Used at terrain-challenging airports such as Innsbruck (LOWI), Queenstown (NZQN), and Kathmandu (VNKT) where conventional approaches are impractical due to surrounding terrain.
Quick Comparison
| Type | SBAS Required | Vertical Guidance | Min. Type | Typical DH/MDA | Cold Temp Correction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LNAV | No | None | MDA | 300–400 ft AGL | N/A |
| LP | Yes | None | MDA | ≤LNAV MDA | N/A |
| LNAV/VNAV | Optional | Yes (baro) | DA | 250–350 ft AGL | Required <0°C |
| LPV | Yes | Yes (SBAS) | DA | 200–300 ft AGL | Not required |
| RNP AR | Yes | Yes (SBAS) | DA | As low as 100 ft | Not required |
Database & Currency Requirements
- AIRAC cycle: Navigation databases are updated every 28 days on the Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control cycle.
- Current database required: A current navigation database is mandatory for flying IFR GPS/RNAV approaches. Verify the AIRAC cycle on your avionics before flight.
- Expired database: May still be used for en-route navigation if the pilot can verify that no relevant procedure changes have occurred, but this is not recommended for approaches.
- RAIM prediction: Check GPS RAIM availability for your destination and alternate before departure, especially at high latitudes or during GPS constellation outages.
SBAS Coverage
WAAS
Wide Area Augmentation System. Covers USA, Canada, and Mexico. Enables LPV and LP approaches throughout this region.
EGNOS
European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service. Covers Europe and North Africa. Enables LPV in EASA member states.
MSAS / GAGAN
Japan (MSAS) and India (GAGAN) regional SBAS systems. Coverage expanding in Asia-Pacific region.
NOTAM Outages
Always check NOTAMs for SBAS/WAAS/EGNOS outages before flying LPV or LP approaches. SBAS outages can downgrade available minimums to LNAV.
SBAS Outage Contingency
If SBAS is unavailable at your destination, you may only fly LNAV minimums (if RAIM is available). Brief alternate minimums and carry alternate fuel accordingly.