VFR with RNP Approaches: What Private Pilots Can (and Can’t) Do in 2025

In this guide, we will go through VFR flights, VFR with RNP approaches, and what pilots can and can’t do as per the latest (2025) guidelines. Read below to learn more!

VFR or Visual Flight Rule flights are a crucial part of flight training. It enables pilots to take advantage of clear skies and sunny weather conditions to make the most informed decisions when flying.

In a nutshell, VFR is a standard for every pilot and dictates the favourable weather conditions for flight. While commercial flights take place during the night, and even in some weather conditions, the VFR flight is designed to teach pilots how to fly in ideal conditions.

With enough practice, pilots can then move on to other ratings that allow them to expand their skillset and their ability to operate aircraft in various conditions.

One important aspect of VFR is with approaches. When a pilot wants to land their aircraft, they will approach the runway and follow specific guidelines to make sure that they nail the landing safely and effectively.

However, not all approaches were made equal. While ILS or radio nav approaches have been used for decades, newer and more precise approaches powered using advanced GPS systems have given rise to RNP approaches.

In this guide, we will go through VFR flights, VFR with RNP approaches, and what pilots can and can’t do as per the latest (2025) guidelines. Read below to learn more!

VISUAL FLIGHT RULES AND RNP EXPLAINED

As mentioned above, VFR refers to a set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going. Weather phenomena like snow, rain, fog or hail can cause dips in visibility, which can alter the performance of a pilot in the air.

While pilots can navigate the skies in low visibility conditions, they will need additional training, specifically an Instrument Rating (IR), to be able to fly an aircraft with confidence. However, for beginners with a PPL or a LAPL, VFR conditions are the way to go.

VFR flights have their own set of challenges. One such is related to RNP or Required Navigation Performance approaches.

RNP is part of PBN or Performance-Based Navigation. It is the umbrella term for navigation based on required performance related to accuracy, integrity, and continuity rather than simply flying VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range).

RNP is a subset of PBM where the aircraft must have navigation equipment that can continuously monitor and alert the pilot if the navigation performance is impacted or degraded due to various conditions.

Instead of using radio navigation aids and ground systems, the RNP approaches depend on on-board instrumentation that takes advantage of advanced GPS systems to safely and precisely guide aircraft while approaching and landing.

RNP approaches allow for efficient flight paths during approaches and are proven to be a very precise and secure way to attempt approaches for modern pilots. However, the RNP approach requires a lot of infrastructural changes related to airspace changes, equipment requirements, and even pilot training.

An RNP approach enables pilots to use published Instrument Approach Procedures or IAP that highlight all the necessary RNP specifications rather than relying on conventional radio navigation aids.

While not widespread in the UK, many aviation aerodromes, including Sherburn, are working on and slowly introducing RNP or RNAV-type approaches.

WHAT PRIVATE PILOTS CAN (AND CAN’T) DO IN 2025

Let’s list down some scenarios in which a VFR pilot might benefit or make use of RNP or PBM type procedures:

1. If your aircraft is equipped with GNSS/GPS equipment and authorised for the procedure, then you may fly using published RNP approaches. If you hold an Instrument Rating or IR, then you may use the procedure under IFR or when transitioning from IFR to VFR.
2. For VFR-only flights, you will need to have an aircraft equipped with an RNAV or GNSS-capable system, which enables pilots to have more flexibility and better situational awareness. This can also potentially give the pilot access to more aerodromes that use these published approaches.
3. You may make use of RNP in certain cases as a substitute for conventional navigation aids, like radio nav. However, the aircraft and pilot will need to be qualified, cleared, and meet the requirements.

WHAT PRIVATE VFR PILOTS CAN’T (OR SHOULDN’T) DO:

Without meeting conditions, here is everything that pilots can’t do when relying on RNP approaches:

1. You cannot assume you are automatically authorised to fly any RNP approach just because your GPS shows it. Many RNP approaches will require specific approval, training, and aircraft certification. Even the aerodrome would have to provide the operator with proper authorisation before the approach is attempted.
2. For VFR flights, you cannot treat a published RNP approach like a standard VFR entry into an uncontrolled field. You will need to obtain prior permission and ATC clearance. Many general aviation aerodromes in the UK treat the approach with a PPR or Prior Permission Required due to its complexity.
3. Not all published approaches guarantee compatibility with generating aviation-level equipment. There are considerable equipment limitations attached to this approach, so you will need to ensure that the aerodrome and your aircraft are compatible for successfully attempting the approach.
4. Even with a valid licence, RNP approaches typically demand specific training and qualifications. Not to mention, you need to ensure you follow the correct SOPs, database best practices, and have contingency procedures in place.

RNP IN THE UK

Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when attempting an RNP approach in the UK:

• As per the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), substitution of a conventional navigation aid by an RNP system is only allowed if you have proper authorisation and all the required systems in place.
• The UK is still somewhat lagging compared to other countries in terms of published RNPs for general aviation aerodromes due to its cost and airspace change burdens. So, you will always have to check for compatibility and ensure that you have the right permissions and that your aircraft has the appropriate systems for RNP approaches.

CHECKLIST FOR ATTEMPTING AN RNP APPROACH FOR PRIVATE PILOTS

Let’s list down the most important factors to keep in mind when attempting an RNP approach:

Aircraft Equipment Compatibility

The first thing that pilots need to check is whether their aircraft meets the required navigation performance specifications for the approach. You will also need to check if the AFM approves the use of RNP approaches and if your navigation database is current and certified.

Qualification and Training

As mentioned above, the pilot will need to ensure that they have the right training and approvals for the approach. While RNP approaches are very precise, the aircraft may slightly deviate from the intended flight path for the approach, where the pilot would manually have to steer the aircraft back in the right direction. Pilots must also be aware of the procedures and limitations and have contingency procedures in place so that they can safely transition in the case of a problem.

Publication and Charting

Pilots will need to check whether the approach is published in the AIP or UK charts. The chart will also cover limitations and highlight all the requirements for successfully attempting an RNP for a general aviation aerodrome.

Aerodrome Considerations

The aerodrome must use the approach with ATC separation. The aerodrome must also explicitly state if the approach is suitable for general aviation use in the aerodrome. Even with VFR, pilots must ensure full traffic awareness and clearly see and avoid problems while attempting the approach.

Operational Safety

Pilots must be aware of any published missed approach or go-around procedures when using the RNP approach. This is to ensure safety and that the pilot can fall back on contingencies if there are problems while attempting the approach.

Insurance Compliance

Insurance companies expect pilots to operate within their licence privileges and aircraft limitations. If you are operating out of scope, then you carry additional risks and the chances of increasing your risk premiums. Pilots must check with their insurance provider to remain up-to-date and well-informed of any changes to their policy.

MASTERING VFR FOR PRIVATE PILOTS

Pilots who want to successfully and efficiently fly aircraft must learn to master VFR flights. They are the cornerstone of flight training in modern aviation and enable private pilots to attempt flights in favourable conditions.

Under VFR, pilots are responsible for:

Separation from Aircraft

Pilots must ensure that they keep a minimum safe distance from other aircraft and can monitor aircraft while in the air. This not only allows for safer flights but also enables the ground crew to plan routes carefully so that they do not overlap with existing aircraft in the airspace.

Using Visual References

VFR enable pilots to see clearly, which can enable them to use visual cues and references to guide themselves, even during emergencies.

If a pilot faces any navigational problems, they can use the high visibility of VFR to figure out where they are and safely navigate to the correct flight path. For example, pilots can use landmarks, roads, rivers, or other manmade or geographical features to ascertain their location.

Avoiding Specific Airspaces

The clarity of VFR means that pilots can easily avoid restricted routes. Every airspace has different requirements, and pilots are expected to only fly in the airspace that is approved for them. By flying VFR, pilots can stay away from restricted areas, such as military installations, which can be clearly visible from above.

VFR REQUIREMENTS

According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), pilots must keep the weather minima in mind when flying VFR. The weather minima dictate the minimum acceptable weather conditions to safely operate an aircraft without additional certifications or training.

Keep in mind that VFR flights are only permitted in Visual Meteorological Conditions, and these conditions vary by airspace class, altitude, and whether you're flying above or below 3,000 ft.

For example, Class G Airspace allows for below 3,000 ft AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level). This means that there are no dense clouds in the area, and you can visually see the surface with 5 km visibility. Meanwhile, Controlled Airspace (Class A-D) requires 5 km visibility and a 1,000 ft vertical/1,500m horizontal distance from clouds.

VFR NAVIGATION

Visual navigation is an important aspect of flying VFR flights. For safe and effective VFR flights, pilots need to use 1:500,000 VFR charts. These charts are designed for slow to medium-speed aircraft and depict visual navigation aids, obstacles, and other aeronautical information.

Flight charts are frequently used for pre-flight planning, in-flight navigation, and pilot and navigator training.

Pilots must also use visual cues and be able to identify prominent features on the ground, like railways, powerlines, and towns. VFR flights also enable pilots to use dead reckoning to figure out their location when lost.

Due to the favourable conditions provided in VFR flights, pilots can easily calculate heading, ground speed, and ETA. Pilots can also use NOTAMs or weather reports like METARs to figure out the weather conditions for a particular flight, so that they make the most informed decision when flying.

VFR also enable pilots to maintain awareness and allows for effective radio work. For example, the airspace in the UK can be complex, especially in the crowded skies around London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

This is why VFR pilots must understand airspace classes and boundaries and learn how to request clearance from ATC when entering controlled airspaces.

When pilots can see better, they can report incidents clearly as well. For example, pilots can use the radio to communicate problems related to bird strikes, runway obstacles, or more. These cases are rare, but under VFR, pilots can effectively make decisions and communicate with the ground crew for added guidance and safety.

WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB

Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.

If you wish to begin your career in aviation or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals to ensure a smooth journey going forward.

For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran, in various types of light aircraft.

The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.

With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.

Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running on the first Sunday of every month.

In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.

Call us at 01977 682 674​​​, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, fee structure, licensing procedures, VFR flights, VFR with RNP approaches, and what pilots can and can’t do as per the latest (2025) guidelines.

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