AIM Text
- For U.S. operators, AC 90-105, Approval Guidance for RNP Operations and Barometric Vertical Navigation in the U.S. National Airspace System and in Oceanic and Remote Continental Airspace, provides the aircraft and operator qualification criteria for RNP 10 or RNP 4 authorizations. FAA personnel at flight standards district offices (FSDO) and certificate management offices (CMO) will use the guidance contained in AC 90-105 to evaluate an operator's application for RNP 10 or RNP 4 authorization. Authorization to conduct RNP operations in oceanic airspace is provided to all U.S. operators through issuance of Operations Specification (OpSpec), Management Specification (MSpec), or Letter of Authorization (LOA) B036, as applicable to the nature of the operation; for example, part 121, part 91, etc. Operators may wish to review FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System, volume 3, chapter 18, section 4, to understand the specific criteria for issuing OpSpec, MSpec, and/or LOA B036.
- The operator's RNP 10 or RNP 4 authorization should include any equipment requirements and RNP 10 time limits (if operating solely inertial-based navigation systems), which must be observed when conducting RNP operations. RNP 4 requires tighter navigation and track maintenance accuracy than RNP 10.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-7-3.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance on obtaining RNP 10 or RNP 4 operational authorization. For U.S. operators, AC 90-105 provides aircraft and operator qualification criteria, and oceanic RNP authorization is issued through OpSpec, MSpec, or LOA B036 as applicable to the operation.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What guidance do I use to get RNP 10 or RNP 4 authorization?
For U.S. operators, AC 90-105 provides the aircraft and operator qualification criteria, and FSDO and CMO personnel use it to evaluate an operator's RNP 10 or RNP 4 application.
Which OpSpec or LOA authorizes oceanic RNP operations?
Per this guidance, authorization is provided through issuance of OpSpec, MSpec, or LOA B036, as applicable to the nature of the operation, for example part 121 or part 91.
What is the difference between RNP 4 and RNP 10 accuracy?
The AIM states RNP 4 requires tighter navigation and track maintenance accuracy than RNP 10, and authorizations should include equipment requirements and RNP 10 time limits when operating solely inertial-based systems.