End-to-end RNP procedures

Required Navigation Performance (RNP) provides a way to produce precise lateral and vertical flight paths. To date, RNP has been leveraged primarily in the approach phase of flight to provide more efficient descent paths and improved access to terrain, obstacle, or airspace challenged airports. However, RNP may also be used in departure, en-route, and arrival phases of flight. The concept of an end-to-end system of RNP procedures utilizes the high performance navigation capability of today´s modern aircraft to improve the repeatability and predictability of the entire route of flight. This may allow for a reduction in system block times and proportional savings based on aircraft direct operating costs per hour. Additionally, these routes could improve the accuracy of today´s terminal metering tools and provide the foundation for future enhancements. This paper describes the concept and benefits of a highly repeatable route structure in the context of a suite of RNP end-to-end procedures between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).