What is the difference between LPV and RNAV?

An RNAV approach to LPV minima is a very advanced approach compared to a RNAV approach to LNAV minima. Think of LPV approaches as ILS approaches and the LNAV approaches as VOR approaches. Completely different, yet still under the umbrella of an RNAV approach.

What is an LPV procedure?

Localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV) are the highest precision GPS (WAAS enabled) aviation instrument approach procedures currently available without specialized aircrew training requirements, such as required navigation performance (RNP).

What is LPV with SBAS?

Approach Capability SBAS enables Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance (LPV) approaches. LPVs are operationally equivalent to a Category I Instrument Landing System (ILS), but are more economical.

Is WAAS necessary?

An IFR approved WAAS GPS is required for vertical approach guidance. That could be simple advisory vertical guidance or LPV approaches that guide you to within 200 feet of the ground more reliably than a typical ILS approach. WAAS GPS gives you more options with planning alternate airports.

What are the benefits of WAAS?

The current advantages of WAAS are that it permits the use of more fuel efficient flight planning and approaches that have reduced minimums. WAAS-approved units also incorporate navigation procedures to take advantage of preferential flight routing such as PBR (Performance Based Routing).

What’s the difference between LPV and APV approaches?

But there is a difference. Even though LPV approaches have vertical guidance, they’re not considered precision approaches. Instead, they’re an approach with vertical guidance (APV). So what’s the difference? APV approaches don’t meet the ICAO and FAA precision approach definitions, which apply mostly to localizer and glideslope transmitters.

What’s the difference between LPV and LNAV / VNAV approaches?

LPV: Localizer Performance With Vertical Guidance LPV approaches are a WAAS/GPS based approach, and they’re very similar to the ILS. But there is a difference. Even though LPV approaches have vertical guidance, they’re not considered precision approaches.

What’s the difference between LPV and ILS approaches?

Keep in mind though, to fly them, you need a WAAS receiver. A baro-aided GPS won’t work. There’s definitely an advantage to LPV. Unlike an ILS, which gets more and more sensitive and difficult to fly near and below DA, the scaling on an LPV approach transitions to a linear scaling as you approach the runway.

What is the course width of a LPV approach?

It has a total course width of 700′ (usually) at the runway threshold. That 700′ of width at the threshold is the same as an ILS localizer at the threshold, but it doesn’t get any tighter than that as you continue to touchdown. LPV approaches get you low as well.