6 hours ago, bean_sprout said:

What is the basic premise of RNAV?  Is it the future?

It uses GPS so it saved costs. You don't need ground equipment sending signals. So they can be created out of thin air so to speak. Also allows for curved approaches for instance if there is mountain terrain. Check out the Palm Springs KPSP 13R RNAV approach for example. You do a big loop around to the runway.

4 hours ago, Greazer said:

It uses GPS so it saved costs. You don't need ground equipment sending signals. So they can be created out of thin air so to speak. Also allows for curved approaches for instance if there is mountain terrain. Check out the Palm Springs KPSP 13R RNAV approach for example. You do a big loop around to the runway.

RNAV actually started out and can still be used based only on ground stations.

I still remember seeing the first avonics already usable in US aircraft and not quite like so in Europe in the early nineties of the last century 🙂

2 hours ago, jcomm said:

I still remember seeing the first avonics already usable in US aircraft and not quite like so in Europe in the early nineties of the last century

In Sweden we started trials in the mid 80s with RNAV arrivals with transition to ILS/LOC using Saab 340s and ancient KNS-660 "FMS" and DME-sensors.

Long time ago, yes. But even today at Arlanda, we have roughly five DME installations (a big reason was back in the days to aid the old MD80s without IRS to get proper position quickly and not overshoot the initial turn in an RNAV SID 🙄). 
Sorry for OT...

 

16 hours ago, Boeing_Driver said:

Thanks. Just saw that and downloaded the update. Hopefully, that fixes it.

Do you mind posting the web address for downloading the VNAV update? Thanks

8 hours ago, jcomm said:

RNAV actually started out and can still be used based only on ground stations.

I still remember seeing the first avonics already usable in US aircraft and not quite like so in Europe in the early nineties of the last century 🙂

The original King KNS-80 and KNS-81 “RNAV” system created pseudo waypoints based on VOR/DME radials and distances. It also required the use of specific model King VOR receivers, OBS/CDI units and DME transceivers. It essentially could electronically “move” a VOR to a location of your choice. Jeppesen used to publish planning charts made for these kind of units which had a crosshatch grid overlaid on a chart showing the locations of VOR/DME stations. It worked best when using a straight-line route. The unit had a limited memory for waypoints. The KNS80/81 could be IFR certified, but it came on the market around the same time as the first digital Loran-C navigators, which took the GA world by storm for a few years (in the pre-GPS era) as they were much less expensive, and much easier to use (VFR only) than the RNAV system. 

At that time, (mid to late 1980s) there were no “RNAV” approaches. The KNS-80 and 81 were only certified for enroute navigation.

The units have not been manufactured for years, though I see several vendors still offer them on the used market. They would be of limited use today with the rapid decommissioning of VOR stations that is underway.

Edited November 28, 20214 yr by JRBarrett

3 hours ago, aero943 said:

Do you mind posting the web address for downloading the VNAV update? Thanks

It's in the marketplace, the in-sim Content Manager.  Search for the Working Titles G1000NXi.  A free replacement for the default G1000.

21 hours ago, Stearmandriver said:

It's the present.  I find it funny that young flight instructors today talk about VORs the way my generation used to talk about NDBs... as derelict relics of a bygone era.   😁

Hey! I resemble that remark!  🙂 

Vnav works in the CJ4 and in the G1000 NXi - for issues see WT's Discord channel. 

The G 3000 has advisory vnav, which is quite useful, but you have to do everything manually: enter altitude constraints, observe vertical speed targets, and iniitiate descent at TOD. 

To be honest, after using WT's G 1000 NXi, it's difficult to use something else. 

46 minutes ago, vgbaron said:

Hey! I resemble that remark!  🙂 

Believe me... I feel your pain.   😁

3 hours ago, Stearmandriver said:

It's in the marketplace, the in-sim Content Manager.  Search for the Working Titles G1000NXi.  A free replacement for the default G1000.

Thanks