This fixation with GPS (on a visual approach!) and the level of misinformation in this thread about RVFPs are getting ridiculous.
1. The criteria for RVFPs are developed by the FAA Flight Standards Service.
2. RVFPs are developed in close coordination with the FAA's procedures team (RAPT), and must be individually approved by FAA's Procedures Review Board.
3. RVFPs are also designed to meet FAA's RNAV standards to the extent possible for a visual approach. In fact, it is the FAA's RNP and RNAV groups, together with FAA's regional All Weather Operations specialist, that makes the final determination if there's sufficient DME/DME infrastructure for the procedure or if GPS will be required.
4. And let's not forget since RVFPs are
visual approaches they must be flown in VMC. Aircraft can be routed through waypoints in RVFPs in IMC all day long, but before they're actually cleared for the RVFP the pilots must have the airport environment (or preceding aircraft) in sight and be able to remain clear of clouds. Thus the level of safety of RVFPs
is no less than a CVFP.
It's not like UAL designed the procedure on the back of a napkin and had Jepp print it up without FAA's involvement, reviews and approval.
