What is PBN Navigation?

PBN: Performance Based Navigation The PBN concept specifies the performance requirements for the accuracy, integrity, availability, continuity, and functionality of an aircraft RNAV system for operations to be implemented in a given airspace concept.

PBN refers to the performance requirements for system accuracy, integrity, availability, continuity, and functionality when an aircraft is flying in a specified airspace or along a flight path or instrument flight procedure under appropriate navigation infrastructure conditions.

The introduction of PBN represents a shift in navigation from sensor-based navigation to performance-based navigation.PBN flight procedures can utilize two types of basic navigation specifications: area navigation (RNAV) and required navigation performance (RNP). In the context of PBN technology, aircraft localization and guidance will integrate and leverage the navigation capabilities of on-board, satellite-based, and land-based equipment to enable aircraft to operate along any desired trajectory.

In a PBN, general navigation requirements are specified based on operational requirements. The operator then evaluates alternative technologies and navigation services that can meet these requirements. Therefore, the operator has the opportunity to choose a more cost-effective option rather than a solution that is imposed as part of the operational requirements. As long as the RNAV system is capable of delivering the expected performance, the rapid changes in technology do not require a re-examination of operations per se. As part of the future work of ICAO, it is expected that other methods of meeting the requirements of the navigation specifications will be evaluated and incorporated into the applicable navigation specifications in due course.

Compared to navigation sensor-based approaches to developing airspace and overrun guidelines, PBN offers the following advantages:

a) Reduces the need to maintain sensor-specific routes and procedures and reduces associated costs;

b) Avoids the need to prescribe sensor-specific operational requirements for each enhancement of the navigation system, thereby avoiding costly expenditures;

c) Facilitate more efficient use of airspace (route layout, fuel efficiency, and noise abatement);

d) Clarify the way in which the RNAV system is to be used;

e) Provide a limited set of navigational specifications for global use, streamlining the operational approval process for operators.

Within the airspace concept, PBN requirements will be influenced by the communications, surveillance, and air traffic management environments, the navigation infrastructure, and the functional and operational capabilities required to meet air traffic management applications.PBN performance requirements will also depend on what resumable, non-RNAV navigation methods can be used and what level of redundancy is required to ensure continuity of function.

RNAV and RNP systems are fundamentally similar, with the main difference being the onboard performance monitoring and alerting requirements. Those that include onboard navigation performance monitoring and alerting requirements are referred to as RNP specifications, while those that do not are RNAV specifications. A regional navigation system that meets the performance requirements of the RNP specification is called an RNP system.