G1000 FPL page

RNAV Required Know How

To fly with RNAV-based equipment in the National Airspace system, you are supposed to know:

Ref: Advisory Circular 90-100A (Terminal and Enroute RNAV Operations) Section 11: Pilot Knowledge Requirements

  1. Verify currency of aircraft navigation data.
  2. Verify successful completion of RNAV system self-tests.
  3. Initialize RNAV system position.
  4. Retrieve and fly a DP or STAR with appropriate transition.
  5. Adhere to speed and/or altitude constraints associated with a DP or STAR.
  6. Make a runway change associated with a DP or STAR.
  7. Verify waypoints and flight plan programming.
  8. Perform a manual or automatic runway update (with takeoff point shift, if applicable).
  9. Fly direct to a waypoint.
  10. Fly a course/track to a waypoint.
  11. Intercept a course/track.
  12. Be vectored off and rejoin a procedure.
  13. Determine cross-track error/deviation.
  14. Insert and delete/clear route discontinuity.
  15. Remove and reselect navigation sensor input(s).
  16. When required, confirm exclusion of a specific navigation aid or navigation aid type.
  17. Insert and delete a lateral offset.
  18. Change the arrival airport and alternate airport.
  19. Insert and delete a holding pattern.
IFD 540 FPL Programming

Avionics Programming

In order to ensure you meet the above requirements, I recommend doing the following.

See the section about simulators just below this so you can practice.

Recommended Training with the Simulator

  • Fly a SID: KMRY MRY5 SID
    PDF Viewer
    • Sequence the next leg (fly heading 329) before reaching required altitude (necessary if GPS doesnt correctly detect altitude input)
    • Intercept the 255 radial from SNS to SNS VOR
    • 3 NM from SNS VOR, proceed direct to SNS Radial-140 distance 5NM
    • Proceed from there direct HAGRO intersection
  • Revised enroute CLNC: Enroute Chart
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    • On V25 just south of WIGGL, fly heading 090 to intercept course 125 to SARDO INT
    • At SARDO, fly V248 to PRB
    • South of SARDO, proceed V248 to PRB with a 2NM right offset (parallel track)
    • Hold at NORTHWEST of FIKDU on the published radial (326 from PRB) 4 NM legs
IFD Tablet Simulator

Avionics Simulation

It’s easy to get in a plane for the first time and already be a master of its avionics. The major manufacturers provide a lot of simulation equipment free or for minor cost:

NOTE A free or even $60 trainer from the manufacturer is so much better than fumbling while the Hobbs meter is turning.

Avionics Confusion

Avionics Common Mistakes

Common avionics mistakes at critial times cause panic and confusion.

Practice these techniques on a simulator so you’re ready (because THEY DO HAPPEN to all of us!)

Improper Hold Placement

See: KMRY RNAV-Y 28L

PDF Viewer

  • You're cleared KMRY RNAV-Y 28L straight in from SNS VOR.
  • At HIXAR, the GPS directs you into the hold instead of straight to IGEYO
  • Action:
    • Continue to the next course (235 heading, descending to 4100)
    • In the flight plan or FMS section, select next leg or the approporiate leg
  • You're back on track

Improper Hold Placement 2

See: KMRY RNAV-Y 28L

PDF Viewer

  • You're cleared KMRY RNAV-Y 28L from SNS VOR
  • Anticipating straight-in, you deleted the hold
  • ATC directs you to fly the hold in lieu of PT for spacing
  • At HIXAR, the GPS directs you toward IGEYO instead of the hold
  • Action:
    • Continue to the turn to get outbound in the holding pattern (hdg 055)
    • Reload the approach and ensure hold at HIXAR is selected
    • Activate the approach and select the hold as the current leg
  • You're back on track

Auto-CDI doesnt switch

The following are not allowed (ref: AC 90-108 Section 8: Use of Suitable RNAV Systems on Conventional Routes)

YOU MUST ENSURE YOUR NAVIGATOR is monitoring the correct NAVAID

  • Many navigators autotune, but only for ILS and not VOR
  • Autotune will fail to switch for many reasons (including signal strength)
  • KNOW HOW TO MANUALLY SWITCH from GPS to CDI/NAV