Improving aircraft navigation with precision and efficiency.

The current generation of instrument flying is based on sensors with diverging definitions of precision in different countries. With the increasing availability of high-precision global satellite systems, The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is harmonising definitions for navigational performance.

Performance-based navigation (PBN) specifies that aircraft-required navigation performance (RNP) and area navigation (RNAV) systems performance requirements be defined in terms of accuracy, integrity, availability, continuity, and the functionality required for the proposed operations in the context of a particular airspace when supported by the appropriate navigation infrastructure.

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The new PBN regulations will require:​

• That from 25 August 2018 pilots may only fly in accordance with PBN routes and procedures after they have been granted PBN privileges as an endorsement to their Instrument Rating (IR).
• All pilots with an IR or Enroute Instrument Rating (EIR) will need to have PBN privileges after the 25 August 2020.

If you are completing your Instrument Rating course with us now, our course is fully integrated and designed to give you the Precision Based Navigation (PBN) endorsement to your Instrument Rating.

If you have an IR and need to obtain the PBN endorsement existing pilots have two options:

• Undertake PBN IR theoretical knowledge with us, which includes an exam followed by a Skill Test or Proficiency Check, which includes the PBN IR elements.
• Make a declaration confirming that the pilot is sufficiently familiar with PBN operations, including the theoretical knowledge elements. Also pass an oral theoretical knowledge assessment prior and in addition to, passing a Skill Test or Proficiency Check which includes the applicable PBN IR elements, with our examiner authorised to conduct such tests and checks.

​​We use our Simulator extensively for this training and it is approved by the UK CAA for Performance Based Navigation (PBN) Training.

Contact our Head of Training, Leon Smith to see how we can help you.