AIM ¶ 4-7-5 — RNP Flight Plan Requirements
AIM 4-7-5 explains how to file RNP 10/RNP 4 authorization on FAA Form 7233-4 to obtain 50 NM lateral separation in the Gulf of America CTAs/FIRs.
In Plain English
To get 50 NM lateral separation and the preferred routing that comes with it in the Gulf of America CTAs/FIRs, an operator authorized for RNP 10 or RNP 4 must file the international flight plan (FAA Form 7233-4) with specific codes. This is how ATC knows your aircraft qualifies for the reduced separation standard.
The required annotations are:
- Item 10a (Equipment): include the letter "R" to indicate PBN approval.
- Item 18: include "PBN/A1" for RNP 10 authorization, or "PBN/L1" for RNP 4 authorization.
A few key points to remember:
- Filing RNP 4 (PBN/L1) automatically implies the aircraft and pilots are also authorized for RNP 10.
- RNP 10 and RNAV 10 are the same thing — they share the same code.
- A complete list of flight plan codes is found in Chapter 5, Section 1 of the AIM.
Missing or incorrect coding means ATC cannot apply the reduced separation, which can cost you the preferred oceanic routing.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 4-7-54-7-5. 4-7-5. Flight Plan Requirements
In order for an operator with RNP 10 or RNP 4 authorization to obtain 50 NM lateral separation in the Gulf of America CTAs/FIRs, and therefore obtain preferred routing available to RNP authorized aircraft, the international flight plan form (FAA 7233-4) must be annotated as follows: Item 10a (Equipment) must include the letter “R.” Item 18 must include either “PBN/A1” for RNP 10 authorization or “PBN/L1” for RNP 4 authorization. Indication of RNP 4 authorization implies the aircraft and pilots are also authorized RNP 10. Chapter 5 , Section 1 , of this manual includes information on all flight plan codes. RNP 10 has the same meaning and application as RNAV 10. They share the same code.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1How do you annotate an international flight plan to obtain 50 NM lateral separation in the Gulf of America CTAs/FIRs?
Per AIM 4-7-5, on FAA Form 7233-4, Item 10a (Equipment) must include the letter "R," and Item 18 must include "PBN/A1" for RNP 10 authorization or "PBN/L1" for RNP 4 authorization.
Q2If you file PBN/L1 for RNP 4, do you also need to indicate RNP 10 authorization separately?
No. Per AIM 4-7-5, indication of RNP 4 authorization implies the aircraft and pilots are also authorized RNP 10.
Q3What is the relationship between RNP 10 and RNAV 10 on a flight plan?
Per AIM 4-7-5, RNP 10 has the same meaning and application as RNAV 10, and they share the same flight plan code.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4