← All explained questions · Flight Instruments and Avionics

What does area navigation (RNAV) allow an aircraft to do?

Choices

✓ Fly a direct path between any two points rather than only along ground navaidscorrect
RNAV frees the aircraft from flying only along ground-based navaids.
Fly only along VOR radials
Being limited to VOR radials is exactly what RNAV avoids.
Operate without any navigation database
RNAV systems rely on a current navigation database.
Replace the need for a transponder
RNAV is a navigation capability and does not replace surveillance equipment.

Why

RNAV lets an aircraft fly a direct path between any two points instead of only along ground-based navaids. With approved equipment and a current navigation database, WAAS-augmented GPS can support approaches with vertical guidance such as LPV where authorized.

FAA source: AIM 1-1-17browse the reference library →

This is taught in Avionics: Glass Cockpit, Transponder and GPS — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.