Area Navigation and Required Navigation Performance Procedures and Depictions.

摘要

Area navigation (RNAV) and required navigation performance (RNP) procedures are fundamental to the implementation of a performance based navigation (PBN) system, which is a key enabling technology for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). As new RNAV and RNP procedures are developed, they are published as charts for use by appropriately qualified pilots. These charts and procedures describe paths that must be flown precisely for improved use of airspace and safety. In this document, we consider how charts for both conventional and PBN procedures are designed from a human factors perspective. First, we document current charting challenges and mitigation strategies. Next, we describe a review of procedures that was done to discover which features were related to difficulty of use or visual complexity. The more difficult instrument approach charts depict procedures with more flight paths, path segments, and radius-to-fix legs. Standard instrument departure procedures that are more difficult show more flight paths. Standard terminal arrival route procedures that are more difficult have more total altitude constraints and path segments. Finally, we describe the process for designing and implementing new instrument procedures, which involves significant coordination both inside and outside the government.