1. DCA, A Pilot’s Perspective

2. Basics
Departures
Arrivals
Recommendations

3. Basics Players DCA is challenging NextGen and RNAV
MWAA, FAA, airlines, neighbors
DCA is challenging
Procedures/Restrictions
Nighttime restriction (2200L-0600L)
Airspace
Runways
NextGen and RNAV

7. RNAV with RNP OLD BETTER BEST
performance-based navigation that allows an aircraft to fly a specific path between two 3D-defined points in space
OLD
BETTER
BEST

8. DCA Departures (North)

9. Noise Abatement Dept Proc
International standard (>75,000 lbs)
NADP-1 (urban areas): fly higher faster
NADP-2: (non-urban areas): fly farther faster
NADP-1
NADP-2

11. DCA Arrivals (South) 3 Arrivals to the South
River Visual 19—good weather (>3500-3)
LDA 19 - bad weather
RNAV (RNP) 19 – good or bad weather!

13. Lowest minimums
Least noise
over river
constant descent

14. Recommendations
If wx > 3500’and 3 and not on River Visual? File a noise complaint
Web Trak (
DCA METAR or ATIS (703)
Encourage DCA to make the RNAV (RNP) 19 the PRIMARY approach in use
Add “NADP-1 procedures recommended for all runways” to MWAA regulations
Study an optimal NADP profile by fleet?
Implement a Fly Quiet program