Which type of approach includes flying at LNAV minimums?

Flying at LNAV minimums is a feature of a GPS approach, specifically those that utilize lateral navigation (LNAV) to achieve lateral guidance during the approach phase. LNAV refers to the use of waypoints and GPS technology to navigate along the designated flight path without the need for ground-based navigation aids like VOR.

In GPS approaches, the minimums published may include both LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance) and LNAV. When conducting a GPS approach at LNAV minimums, pilots are utilizing GPS for lateral navigation while adhering to the minimum visibility and altitude restrictions specified for that approach. This allows aircraft to safely maneuver to the runway using satellite-based navigation even in situations where ground-based navigation aids may not be available, ensuring increased flexibility in flight operations.

By contrast, a VOR approach would require the use of ground-based VOR stations, an ILS approach relies on an Instrument Landing System that provides both lateral and vertical guidance, and a visual approach does not involve specific instrument minimums as it allows for visual referencing to the runway. Therefore, the best answer involves understanding that LNAV minimums are specifically tied to GPS navigation capabilities.