PBN (Performance-Based Navigation) — Performance-Based Navigation

What Is PBN

Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) is the ICAO framework that defines aircraft navigation requirements in terms of performance — accuracy, integrity, continuity, availability and functionality — rather than mandating a specific navigation sensor or equipment type (e.g., VOR, DME, INS). Introduced through ICAO Doc 9613 (PBN Manual), PBN replaced the older, fragmented mix of sensor-specific route and approach designations that existed before the mid-2000s, giving states and operators a single, globally harmonized navigation concept to apply.

The Three Building Blocks

PBN rests on three elements defined in Doc 9613:

How PBN Relates to RNAV and RNP

PBN is the umbrella framework; RNAV (Area Navigation) and RNP (Required Navigation Performance) are the two families of navigation specifications defined under it. Every RNAV or RNP designator (RNAV 1, RNAV 5, RNP 4, RNP AR APCH, etc.) is a PBN navigation specification with its own accuracy value and functional requirements. The distinguishing feature between the two families is onboard performance monitoring and alerting: RNP specifications require the aircraft system to monitor and alert when navigation performance is not being met in real time, while RNAV specifications carry no such requirement. See the RNP/RNAV entry for detail on the individual specifications — PBN is the governing concept that organizes all of them into one coherent, globally consistent system.

Global Implementation

ICAO's Global Air Navigation Plan calls on states to transition route and procedure design to PBN, phasing out sensor-specific navigation methods. Since December 2022, ICAO's chart-naming convention retired the term "RNAV (GNSS)" for approach procedures in favor of "RNP," reflecting the consolidation of PBN terminology. Many states, including EASA member states, now require pilots to hold a specific PBN endorsement on their instrument rating.

Standards

ICAO Doc 9613 (PBN Manual) is the core reference; ICAO Doc 9997 covers PBN operational approval, and PBN requirements are referenced throughout Annex 6 (Operations) and Annex 11 (Air Traffic Services).