What advantage does RNAV provide over traditional navigation?

RNAV, or Area Navigation, provides significant advantages in the way flight paths are determined and followed. One of the primary benefits is its ability to allow aircraft to fly more direct routes between waypoints. Traditional navigation often relies on a network of ground-based navigational aids, which can constrain a flight path to the specific radial or route segments defined by these aids. This limitation can result in longer flight times and increased fuel consumption.

With RNAV, aircraft can navigate based on their own onboard systems, utilizing waypoints defined by GPS or other satellite systems. This removes the constraints imposed by ground-based aids and permits more efficient routing, which not only shortens flight distances but can also enhance the overall efficiency of air traffic management. As a result, RNAV contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced flight times, making it a crucial advancement in aviation navigation.