21. Separation - Vertical

Question 1

Cruising Levels - VFR

Answer 1

Above 3000ft to FL285
West East
Even Odd
500ft on top of the IFR levels

VFR above FL290 not approved

Question 2

When can an AC be cleared to change its Crusing level?

Answer 2

at a specified time, place or rate.

Question 3

What is RVSM?

Answer 3

Reduced Vertical Separation Minima

Above FL290 to FL410, vertical separation reduces to 1000ft.
AC have to be fitted with correct equipment.

Question 4

If RVSM cannot be achieved what shall the ATCO do?

Answer 4

During operations in or vertical transit through RVSM
airspace for non RVSM aircraft, pilots shall report non-
approved status:
a) at initial call
b) in all requests for level changes; and
c) in all readbacks of level clearances

Controllers shall explicitly acknowledge receipt of
messages from aircraft reporting RVSM non-approved
status.

Question 5

When may an aircraft be cleared which was deviously occupied by another AC?

Answer 5

An aircraft may be cleared to a level previously
occupied by another aircraft after the latter has
reported vacating it, except when:
–Severe turbulence is known to exist.
–The higher aircraft is effecting a cruise climb.
–The difference in aircraft performance is such
that less than the applicable separation may
result.
In which case clearance shall be withheld until
the aircraft vacating the level has reported at or
passing another level separated by the required
minimum.

Question 6

When may pilots reduced their vertical separation?

Answer 6

•Pilots in direct communication with each other may, with their agreement, be cleared to maintain a specified vertical separation between their aircraft during ascent or descent.

‘CLIMB (or DESCEND) AT (number) FEET PER MINUTE OR GREATER / OR LESS

Question 7

What is the Standard Vertical Separation Minimum?

Answer 7

1000ft below FL 290 and 2,000ft above FL290 up
to FL410