Definition

The RNP Visual manoeuvre with Prescribed Track (VPT) is an IFR approach procedure that combines RNP navigation with visual approach techniques. It consists of two main segments: 
1. An initial RNP instrument path (instrument segment). 
2. A subsequent visual path (visual segment) defined by waypoints.

Source: EASA SIB 2025-05

Decription

Traditional visual manoeuvring procedures, particularly circling approaches, require pilots to rely heavily on visual cues. This can be challenging in adverse weather conditions, near complex terrain, or when the flight crew is not familiar with the aerodrome environment and noise-sensitive areas.

The visual segment of a Required Navigation Performance Visual manoeuvre with Prescribed Track (RNP VPT) is a visual procedure that allows for more structured and precise visual manoeuvring, whereby the FMS provides horizontal and vertical guidance to be followed during the approach. This reduces pilot workload and enhances safety and the predictability during visual manoeuvring.

An RNP (VPT) procedure may be published by the aerodrome (e.g. in the AIP) or developed by the operator as an "Operator Proprietary Procedure" (OPP). It can be used to e.g.:

• Provide FMS-based guidance approach that substitutes a traditional visual approach.
• Replace the circling manoeuvre with an RNP-based approach procedure with a 3D-guided final part flown in visual conditions.
• Allow a non-RNP AR (authorisation required) approved operator to fly an overlay of an existing RNP AR approach.

The EASA SIB 2025-05 (accessible in the Further Reading section below) offers recommendations to the different stakeholders with respect to the development and use of RNP (VPT) procedures. In summary, these are:

• General recommendations
  • RNAV visual and RNP visual procedures should be converted to RNP (VPT).
  • Available RNP (VPT) should be published by NCAs in the AIP. Alternatively, aircraft operators may also develop an OPP.
• Recommendations for aircraft operators:
  • Establish SOPs for RNP (VPT), as well as RNAV visual and RNP visual, when they are still in use.
  • Develop a risk assessment with relevant mitigations and contingency procedures.
  • Establish a specific safety risk assessment for each approach procedure and a monitoring function of RNP (VPT) operations.
  • Operators with an RNP AR APCH approval should assess the RNP (VPT) procedure in accordance with their relevant procedures.
  • Operators without an RNP AR APCH approval should:
    • Ensure that flight procedures are designed in a way that allows the aircraft to remain within the prescribed tracks.
    • Allow RNP (VPT) only if the aircraft is adequately equipped to perform RNP approaches.
    • Perform validation and testing prior to implementation.
    • Ensure that flight crews are adequately trained.
• Recommendations for NCAs
  • Enable the use of RNP (VPT) by authorising procedures developed by the ANSP and the operators.
  • Include in the authorisation processes the evaluation of RNP (VPT) procedures implemented by operators.
  • Include in the oversight programme the verification that RNP(VPT) or overlay of the RNP-AR are performed only as authorised.
• Recommendations to ANSPs and aerodrome operators:
  • Have a plan to convert RNAV visual and RNP visual procedures to RNP(VPT).
  • Ensure that a safety assessment is performed where RNP (VPT) are newly introduced.
• Recommendations to Design Approval Holders (individuals, organizations, or companies that have been granted the authority by a regulatory agency to approve the design of aircraft, components, or systems):
  • Convert or extend their existing operational recommendation and recommended procedures for RNAV visual and RNP visual to RNP (VPT).

Further Reading

• EASA SIB 2025-05: Development and Usage of Procedures for Visual Manoeuvring with Prescribed Tracks Relying on RNP
• ICAO Cir 359 "Development of Procedures for Visual Manoeuvring with Prescribed Tracks using Required Navigation Performance"
• ICAO Doc 8168 PANS-OPS, Vol II "Construction of Visual and Instrument Flight Procedures"
• ICAO Doc 9905 "RNP AR Procedure Design Manual"
• EU Regulation 2017/373
• EU Regulation 965/2012