Precision-Area Navigation (P-RNAV) is the European terminal airspace RNAV application and it is the natural progression from Basic RNAV which became mandatory in European airspace in April 1998.

The P-RNAV track keeping accuracy equates to cross track accuracy of RNP1 (+/- 1NM).
Aircraft P-RNAV equipment automatically determines aircraft desired flight path by a series of way points held in a database.

P-RNAV procedures are designed to a common set of design principles specific to RNAV equipped aircraft.
These procedures will replace the current multitude of RNAV procedures many of which are unsuitable for a wide range of aircraft types.

It is recognized that the existing variations in RNAV approval requirements, the variations in procedure design and procedure publication/charting, as well as the variations in navigation data integrity could have considerable safety implications.

Note: P-RNAV offers the ability to use RNAV functionality in all phases of flight except final approach and missed approach.

It enables to define routes in the terminal airspace which meet the needs of the aircraft operators and the air navigation services provider.