This online course aims to provide participants with a structured and comprehensive foundation in ICAO’s Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) framework, enabling them to support and contribute to the safe and harmonized implementation of PBN in accordance with the latest editions of ICAO Doc 9613 (PBN Manual).

Course Description

This 10-hour self-study online course introduces participants to ICAO’s Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) framework and its operational and regulatory applications.

The course establishes a foundational understanding of the PBN concept, including its evolution from conventional navigation to area navigation and performance-based operations, as well as the benefits and structure of the PBN Manual (Doc 9613). Participants will examine the elements defining required navigation performance and how these are applied within navigation specifications. It also addresses navigation applications and enabling systems, including RNAV and RNP operations, navigation sensors, datasets, and augmentation systems. Terminal procedures such as SIDs, STARs, and RNP APCH are presented to highlight implementation considerations and operational benefits.

Finally, the course reviews operational approval processes, performance-monitoring requirements, and air traffic control considerations that support safe and efficient PBN implementation.

Designed as an entry-level foundation, the course supports aviation stakeholders involved in PBN planning, approval, implementation, and operations, and serves as a prerequisite for advanced PBN training.

Upon completion of the course, the participants should be able to:

• Gain an understanding of the PBN concept and its benefits, as well as the structure of the Performance-based Navigation (PBN) Manual (Doc 9613). 
• Outline the aspects that define required performance in the PBN concept. 
• Explain navigation applications, conventional navigation, and the concept of area navigation.
• Identify the considerations for navigation aids, including aeronautical information datasets, navigation sensor systems, and augmentation systems.
• Describe the considerations and benefits related to the use of SIDs, STARs, and RNP APCHs.
• Explain the implementation of RNAV and RNP operations.
• Outline aspects of performance monitoring and operational requirements.
• Explain air traffic control considerations, including training personnel for PBN implementation.

Course Structure

• Course Introduction
• Module 1 - Introduction to PBN
• Module 2 - PBN Concept
• Module 3 - Area Navigation
• Module 4 - Area Navigation and PBN
• Module 5 - Navigation Specifications and Terminal Airspace
• Module 6 - Implementing RNAV and RNP Operations
• Module 7 - Performance Monitoring and Operational Requirements
• Module 8 – Air Traffic Control Considerations 
• Final Exam

Primary target audience: 

• Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA)

• Airlines: Flight Operations Managers, Flight Dispatchers, Procedure Designers

• Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs): Air Traffic Controllers, Airspace Planning Officers

• Training Organizations: Flight Training Instructors, Curriculum Developers

Secondary target audience: 

• Commercial and General Aviation: Pilots (Captains, First Officers)

• Aviation Safety Analysts

Certificate

The Final Exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. The participant requires a grade of 80% to pass. Note that the participant will be granted 3 attempts only. Upon successfully completing the exam, the participant will receive ICAO’s e-Certificate.