China Formally Approves RNP Operations at Tibet's Linzhi

The Civil Aviation Authority of China (CAAC) has formally approved Air China's use of RNP (required navigation performance) procedures at Linzhi, Tibet; following an extensive program of procedure development, flight testing and operations review.

Flt Tech Online first reported this development earlier this month.

U.S.-based Naverus played a pivotal role in the project by working closely with CAAC and Air China since 2004 to develop China's RNP and RNAV (area navigation) program, and in particular, this two-year effort to develop RNP procedures at Lhasa and Linzhi in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

The elevation (9,670 feet) of Linzhi's new airport (also known as Nyingchi) and its surrounding terrain, meant that an instrument approach using ground-based navigation aids was impractical - if not impossible - because of the high ground speeds, and resulting maneuvering space, needed for a B-757.  To overcome this problem, Naverus constructed a set of RNP approach and departure procedures that incorporate 108 waypoints to and from the Linzhi airport.  An excellent video of the Linzhi RNP approach shows the precise navigation and small, tight turns involved.

Including the Lhasa RNP procedures, the Lhasa/Linzhi RNP network contains more than 800 nautical miles of navigational tracks that cover an area of approximately 16,100 square nautical miles of high-altitude terrain in the region.

At the invitation of the CAAC, the FAA reviewed the design developed by Naverus, and Air China's application for RNP RNAV operations approval that Naverus authored.  In parallel with this project, the CAAC developed its RNP regulations, which are consistent with the FAA and ICAO standards.

The Lhasa procedures were validated by Air China and the CAAC in February, 2006, and commercial service using RNP commenced there on March 1.  After construction was completed at the new Linzhi airport, Naverus was able to deliver its new RNP procedures for testing in just 72 days from start of the project in March, 2006.

"This is a major milestone for aviation navigation - for China and for the world," said Steve Fulton, the chief technical officer and co-founder of Naverus.  09-25-2006.