How does RNAV differ from conventional navigation?

• A. RNAV uses onboard navigation sensors and GPS for position; conventional relies on ground-based aids
• B. RNAV relies exclusively on ground-based aids
• C. Conventional uses onboard GPS only
• D. RNAV cannot determine position

Answer: (A)

RNAV differs from conventional navigation because it determines the aircraft’s position using onboard systems and satellite signals, such as GPS, rather than relying on ground-based radio aids. With RNAV, the aircraft carries a GNSS receiver and other onboard sensors (like an inertial reference system) to know exactly where it is, which lets it fly direct between predefined waypoints and follow flexible routes. Conventional navigation, on the other hand, depends on ground-based aids like VOR, DME, NDB, and localizers to determine position and course, which tends to constrain routing to established airways and intersections.

That’s why the best description is that RNAV uses onboard sensors and GPS for position, while conventional navigation relies on ground-based aids. Relying exclusively on ground-based aids isn’t accurate for RNAV, conventional navigation isn’t built around GPS-only on board, and RNAV can determine position, so saying it cannot is incorrect.