Assessing the Benefits of Performance-Based Navigation Procedures

Abstract

Performance-based Navigation (PBN) allows aviation operations to be conducted based on actual operational requirements rather than the requirements of ground-based equipment. Although the general operational benefits of PBN procedures have been recognized by various studies, there is a need to specify the actual benefits in terms of the frequency of event anomalies that could be expected from the use of PBN procedures. The study reviewed some of the available literature and identified some operational improvements as reported by previous authors. The study then proceeded to review archival data from the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) database with a view to identifying the link between the use of PBN procedures and reported event anomalies. Overall, there were significantly fewer reported event anomalies when PBN procedures were used than when PBN procedures were not used. It is suggested that air operators and air navigation service providers conduct appropriate risk and safety assessments in their consideration of an increased use of PBN procedures.