How to Fly an RNAV Approach in
X-Plane 12 using the Garmin GPS.
What is an RNAV Approach?
RNAV (Area Navigation) is a type of instrument approach that allows aircraft to fly along a pre-programmed path using GPS waypoints instead of relying only on ground-based navigation aids like ILS or VOR.
In real life, RNAV approaches are often labeled RNAV (GNSS) or RNP. They specify:
- Waypoints (with exact latitude/longitude)
- Minimum crossing altitudes
- Decision altitude (DA/MDA) where a pilot must either see the runway or go around.
- Its Important to remain at or above the published altitude at each GPS waypoint.
What RNAV Do I fly?
There can be one to many RNAV approaches available at any given airport and the ATC will designate which one you should use. This will be reliant on ATC requirements, Weather, Traffic frequency as well as the runway in use!
In X-Plane 12 when you contact your arrival controller they will tell you which RNAV you are using and the initial point to fly to. This is where you need your chart to now what minimum altitude to be at that point.
Where are my RNAV Plans?
In X Plane 12 you can go to procedures on your GPS unit and select the correct one. They all have names and the RNAV itself is made up of several points which all have unique names. These will step you down from altitude to the runway in an organized fusion.
If your arriving from a lower altitude than the first and highest NavePoint then you may be asked to fly directly to another point with a lower altitude.
Flying an RNAV Approach — The Basics
- Load the approach into your GPS (Garmin G1000/G530 etc).
- Follow the waypoints: the GPS will sequence them automatically.
- Use autopilot (NAV mode) to track the lateral path.
- Altitudes must be monitored and flown manually unless you set them in the autopilot (Vertical Speed or VNAV in advanced aircraft).
- At the MAPt (Missed Approach Point), decide to land or go missed.
Step by Step RNAV Approach.
X-Plane 12 GPS — How to Load an RNAV Approach
- Open the MFD (G1000) or G530 GPS.
- Press PROC → Select Approach.
- Scroll to RNAV (GPS) RWY 18 or RNAV (GPS) RWY 36 at VTCC.
- Choose a transition (IAF) (e.g. ANGET or EASTA).
- Activate → The GPS flight plan will populate with the waypoints.
- Fly the approach:
- NAV mode = lateral guidance
- ALT/V/S = manage descent manually to published altitudes
Limitations of RNAV in X-Plane 12
- Default navdata may not include the very latest procedures (updates ~6 months).
- RNP AR (special curved path approaches) are often missing unless you install Navigraph.
- Autopilot will fly the lateral track, but descent management is mostly manual unless your aircraft has VNAV configured.
- Accuracy is good but may not exactly match real-world AIP altitudes.
Example: RNAV (GNSS) RWY 18 at Chiang Mai (VTCC)
Flying in from Chiang Rai (east side):
- Expect to be cleared to ANGET (IAF) at 7,000 ft.
- GPS will step you through the fixes down to CNXNF (FAF) at 3,500 ft.
- Final descent continues until the MAPt at ~1,660 ft, where you must have visual contact with RWY 18.
RNAV (GNSS) RWY 18 — VR-Friendly Table
| Waypoint | Role | Altitude (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| ANGET | IAF | 7,000 |
| YAMUN | IAF | 7,000 |
| WANCA | IAF | 6,000 |
| ZUTEP | IAF | 7,000 |
| ADLUS | IF | 5,600 |
| CNXNF | FAF | 3,500 |
| MAPt | MAPt (THR18) | ~1,660 |
| NEWLY | Missed Appr. | — |
📊 RNAV (GNSS) RWY 36 — VR-Friendly Table
| Waypoint | Role | Altitude (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| EASTA | IAF | 7,000 |
| BAIPU | IAF | 7,000 |
| PINNY | IAF | 6,000 |
| NAZAI | IAF | 7,000 |
| MAKOK | IF | 5,600 |
| CNXSF | FAF | 3,500 |
| MAPt | MAPt (1.9 NM to RWY36) | ~1,660 |
| DANA1 | Missed Appr. | — |
Common RNAV Questions
- Can you fly RNAV and then switch to ILS?
Yes. Some pilots load RNAV for situational awareness, then switch to ILS when available. - Can autopilot fly RNAV?
Yes it flies the lateral path. Vertical descent requires pilot control unless your aircraft has VNAV. - Do you need to hand-fly?
Not necessarily. Most sim pilots let autopilot fly waypoint-to-waypoint while they manage descent rates.
Frequently Asked Questions about RNAV in X-Plane 12
What is an RNAV approach in X-Plane 12?
An RNAV approach in X-Plane 12 is a GPS-based instrument approach procedure that uses waypoints instead of ground-based navigation aids. It allows you to fly directly between fixes using the Garmin G1000 or G530, following published altitudes and waypoints.
How do I load an RNAV approach into the Garmin GPS in X-Plane 12?
To load an RNAV approach in X-Plane 12, press the PROC button on the Garmin GPS, choose ‘Select Approach,’ scroll to RNAV (GPS) for your runway, select a transition (IAF), and activate the approach. The GPS will load the waypoints automatically.
Can the autopilot fly RNAV approaches in X-Plane 12?
Yes. The autopilot can track the lateral path of an RNAV approach in NAV mode. However, descent management usually requires manual control of altitude or vertical speed unless your aircraft has VNAV features.
Are RNAV approaches in X-Plane 12 accurate?
Yes, RNAV approaches in X-Plane 12 are generally accurate and based on Aerosoft or Navigraph navdata. However, the default data may not include the latest procedures, so updating with Navigraph ensures full accuracy and availability.
Can I switch from RNAV to ILS during an approach?
Yes, you can load and follow an RNAV approach for situational awareness and then switch to ILS if the airport provides it. This is a common real-world and simulator technique, especially at airports with both procedures.
Wrap-Up
RNAV approaches in X-Plane 12 are powerful, accurate, and available at most big airports. By loading them into your Garmin GPS, you can practice realistic modern IFR flying without needing an ILS.
Chiang Mai (VTCC) is a great example with two published RNAV procedures (RWY 18 & 36), you can practice arrivals from both north and south, and even combine with visual or ILS procedures.
Author
Brendon McAliece (Aka Gunnie) is a military veteran with 23 years working on Jet Fighters, their weapons systems and ejection seat/module systems as well as munitions and R&D.
Involved with flight simulation since the 1980s, he has flown all the major flight simulators over the years. He is an Australian expat who has lived in Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia and more recently Thailand.
He is a multi-lingual blogger who loves to share his life experiences here on LetsFlyVFR.com and DreamingGuitar.com, with his lifestyle and Travel experiences Blog plus his Dreaming Coffee website.
Learn More @
DreamingGuitar.com – DreamingCoffee.com – LetsFlyVFR.com
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