Terminal procedures chart update highlights PBN requirements

The updates took effect Feb. 1, and will continue until all charts comply with the new publication standard.

“For procedures with PBN elements, the PBN box will contain the procedure’s navigation specification(s); and, if required: specific sensors or infrastructure needed for the navigation solution; any additional or advanced functional requirements; the minimum Required Navigation Performance (RNP) value and any amplifying remarks,” the notice says.

A separate equipment requirements box lists ground-based equipment requirements. On procedures with both PBN elements and ground-based equipment requirements, the PBN requirements box will be listed first.

AOPA reported on the impending change in January 2017, noting that the chart revision reorganizes the presentation of navigational information for the procedures, but does not add any new requirements for flying them.

“AOPA is working with the FAA on improvements to the notes to simplify and clarify the requirements to fly an instrument approach,” said Rune Duke, AOPA senior director of airspace and air traffic. “It is important for pilots flying PBN procedures to understand what their system is capable of.”

For more information, pilots are encouraged to review two AOPA online fact sheets that give overviews of the Wide Area Augmentation System and Equipment and Requirements Notes on Instrument Approach Procedures.