RNAV Required Know How

To fly with RNAV (including GPS)-based equipment in the National Airspace system, you are expected to know how to:

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.

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

Use a route from KMRY-MRY5 (SID)-SNS-V25-PRB-KSBP

• Fly a SID: KMRY MRY5 SID
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• 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

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.

• Avidyne IFD Series
• Garmin GTN Series
• Simionic for G1000/G1000 Nxi
• While 3^rd party and not certified, I found both the G1000 and G1000Nxi Simionic tablet simulators invaluable for instrument proficency and CFII training (for $9.99)
• Garmin G1000 Nxi Trainer
• I used the original G1000 software trainer and found it invaluable as well

What is it doing? — 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

• 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

• 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 doesn't switch

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

• Substitution of GPS for a NAVAID (VOR or NDB) on a Final Approach Segment.
• Lateral Navigation on LOC-Based Courses
• For more details, see GPS Use during VOR, ILS, or NDB Approach

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