The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has approved Air China's use of required navigation performance (RNP) procedures at Linzhi Airport, Tibet, following a two-year programme of procedure development, flight testing and operations review.
US navigation consultant Naverus worked with CAAC and Air China to develop the programme.
The elevation (9,670 feet) of Linzhi Airport and its surrounding terrain meant an instrument approach using ground-based navigation aids was impractical - if not impossible.
To overcome this problem, Naverus constructed a set of RNP approach and departure procedures that incorporate 108 waypoints to and from Linzhi Airport.
A video of the Linzhi RNP approach shows the precise navigation and small, tight turns involved.
Satellite view of Linzhi Airport ...
Source: FlightGlobal.com
