Which of the following options is correct for an LPV approach?
Refer to figure.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This is old terminology. It is also massively lacking on recent feedback, and we have changed the previously (very) incorrect answer to the most correct option as we believe EASA must've done so at some point as it was so blatantly wrong.
With the new terminology in use by ICAO and EASA, precision and non-precision approaches are a thing of the past. RNP APCH to LPV minima is a 3 dimensional approach, and can go as low as a decision height of 200 ft, making it a type B approach, effectively the same type as a CAT I ILS. This effectively makes it a "precision approach" but it was never considered as such when precision approaches existed, it was considered APV (approach with vertical guidance).
This question should be removed, and if it remains as it is, the only possible correct answer present here in real life would be precision approach, however the (quite old) feedback we have said that non-precision approach was correct (we think that must have changed by now) so we would very much like some newer feedback if possible.
ICAO annex 6, Part II
2.2.2.2.2 Instrument approach operations shall be classified based on the designed lowest operating minima below which an approach operation shall only be continued with the required visual reference as follows:
a) Type A: a minimum descent height or decision height at or above 75 m (250 ft); - These can be either 2D approaches or 3D approaches
b) Type B: a decision height below 75 m (250 ft). - These can only be 3D approaches (as 2D approaches are not accurate enough to allow MDH/DH below 250 ft)
Type B instrument approach operations are categorized as:
1) Category I (CAT I): a decision height not lower than 60 m (200 ft) and with either a visibility not less than 800 m or a runway visual range not less than 550 m;
2) Category II (CAT II): a decision height lower than 60 m (200 ft) but not lower than 30 m (100 ft) and a runway visual range not less than 300 m;
3) Category III (CAT III): a decision height lower than 30 m (100 ft) or no decision height and a runway visual range less than 300 m or no runway visual range limitations;
This is new from 2018, and categorises instrument approaches into type A or type B depending on their decision height (or minimum descent height) being above or below 250ft.
RNP APCH to LPV minima
Technically, known as RNP Approach procedures down to LPV minima, LPVs were introduced within the PBN concept as new approach operations based on SBAS, a technology providing augmentation to GNSS systems like GPS. RNP APCH requires an RNP value of 0.3 nm, but be aware that this is not the same as the "RNP 0.3" specification, which is completely different specification from "RNP APCH".
RNP Approaches can be completed down to 3 different minima; LNAV only, LNAV/VNAV and LPV.
- LNAV only - A 2D approach (no vertical guidance).
- LNAV/VNAV - A 3D approach using baro-VNAV guidance or SBAS.
- LPV - A 3D approach using SBAS augmentation. The lowest minima, can be as low as a CAT I ILS (200 ft and 550 m RVR).
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