7. USES OF SUITABLE RNAV SYSTEMS.
a. Usage of Suitable RNAV Systems. Subject to the operating requirements in this AC, operators may use a suitable RNAV system in the following ways.
(1) Determine aircraft position relative to or distance from a VOR (see first note in subparagraph 7b), TACAN, NDB, compass locator (see second note in subparagraph 7b), DME fix; or a named fix defined by a VOR radial, TACAN course, NDB bearing, or compass locator bearing intersecting a VOR or Localizer (LOC) course.
(2) Navigate to or from a VOR, TACAN, NDB, or compass locator.
(3) Hold over a VOR, TACAN, NDB, compass locator, or DME fix.
(4) Fly an arc based upon DME.
b. Specific Allowances. The allowances described in this section apply even when a facility is identified as required on a procedure (for example, “Note ADF required”).
NOTE: For the purpose of this AC, “VOR” includes VOR, VOR/DME, and VORTAC facilities.
NOTE: For the purpose of this AC, compass locator includes locator outer marker and locator middle marker.
8. USES OF SUITABLE RNAV SYSTEMS NOT ALLOWED BY THIS AC. An otherwise suitable RNAV system cannot be used for the following:
a. NOTAMed Procedures. Unless otherwise specified, navigation on procedures that are identified as not authorized (“NA”) without exception by a NOTAM. For example, an operator may not use a RNAV system to navigate on a procedure affected by an expired or unsatisfactory flight inspection, or a procedure that is based upon a recently decommissioned NAVAID.
b. Substitution on a Final Approach Segment. Substitution for the NAVAID (for example, a VOR or NDB) providing lateral guidance for the final approach segment.
c. Lateral Navigation on LOC-Based Courses. Lateral navigation on LOC-based courses (including LOC back-course guidance) without reference to raw LOC data.
9. OPERATING REQUIREMENTS AND CONSIDERATIONS.
a. General Considerations.
(1) Pilots must comply with the guidelines contained in their Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), AFM supplement, operating manual, or pilot’s guide when operating their aircraft RNAV system.
(2) Pilots may not use their RNAV system as a substitute or alternate means of navigation if their aircraft has an AFM or AFM supplement with a limitation to monitor the underlying NAVAIDs for the associated operation.
(3) Pilots of aircraft with an AFM limitation that requires the aircraft to have other equipment appropriate to the route to be flown may only use their RNAV system as a substitute means of navigation in the contiguous U.S., and only for out-of-service NAVAIDs, not for inoperable or not-installed aircraft equipment.