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RNAV (Area Navigation)
A method of navigation that allows aircraft to fly on any desired flight path within the coverage of referenced navigation signals or within the limits of self-contained system capability (GPS). RNAV approaches are the most common GPS-based instrument approaches.
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Learn more in Instrument Rating →Related Terms
- Sectional ChartAn aeronautical chart used for VFR navigation that depicts topographic features, airspace boundaries, airports, navigation aids, and other information at a scale of 1:500,000. Sectional charts are updated every 56 days.
- SIGMET (Significant Meteorological Information)An in-flight weather advisory for significant hazards that may affect all aircraft, such as severe icing, severe or extreme turbulence, dust storms, or volcanic ash. SIGMETs are checked with convective SIGMETs and G-AIRMETs when building a route weather picture.
- Simulated InstrumentInstrument flight time logged while flying by reference to instruments under a view-limiting device, with a safety pilot or instructor on board. Simulated instrument time counts toward instrument rating and instrument currency requirements when logged correctly under 14 CFR 61.51 and 61.65.
- Sky ConditionThe reported amount and height of cloud layers, typically described with contractions such as FEW, SCT, BKN, and OVC plus the layer altitude. ATIS, METAR, and ASOS/AWOS broadcasts include sky condition so pilots can compare ceilings and cloud coverage with personal minimums and VFR requirements.