FAA Authorizes Naverus to Provide RNP Procedures to Operators and Airports

The FAA has authorized Naverus to develop RNP (required navigation performance) procedures for third parties, such as airlines, airports, and other aircraft operators. This authorization is in addition to the FAA's recent naming of Naverus to be an approved consultant for RNP operations.

The FAA's actions officially recognize the ability of the Kent, Washington-based company to provide all the products and services needed for implementation of an RNP program.  Naverus is the first organization to be approved by the FAA to perform these roles.

RNP combines the advanced capabilities of modern avionics and GPS to ensure that aircraft stay on narrow, preprogrammed RNAV (area navigation) paths, which can consistently - and sometimes dramatically - reduce the flight-path distance of arrivals, approaches and departures.  In some cases, it can also allow for operations in lower visibility conditions, and the possibility of takeoffs at higher gross weights.  Many of these operational benefits directly reduce fuel burn and emissions.  And RNP/RNAV tracks can also be used to reduce noise over sensitive areas as efficiently as possible.

Steve Fulton, a Naverus co-founder and its chief technology officer, says that while the FAA will continue to provide RNP development of its own, this action will give operators a way to accelerate the process.  (View FTO's video interview with Steve Fulton)

Naverus has already developed RNP programs and secured operational approval for several airlines including WestJet, Qantas and Air China.

The FAA's RNP authorization is similar to designations the company has received from regulators in other countries.  04-11-2007.

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