Can I fly SID and STAR in RNAV?

Question

Can I fly SID and STAR in RNAV?

Answer 1

Sometimes.

If it is an RNAV DP or STAR, the procedure needs to be fully retrievable from the current GPS or FMS internal database.  No entering any waypoints by hand!  Additionally, for part 121 or 135 operations, the company's ops specs need to list the airplane and RNAV unit to be approved for such operations.

If the procedure is not an RNAV DP or STAR, the pilot CAN enter the waypoints into the GPS or FMS provided the position of each waypoint is verified.  Non-RNAV DPs and STARS will list the lat/long of each waypoint right on the chart.  It's always a good idea to back up this information with a secondary radio - usually a VOR.  I'll just tune in the VORs used to define the STAR and make sure the RMI needle is pointing where I expect it to be.