Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) - Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM)

Question 1

If an aircraft meets the requirements of 14 CFR 91 appendix G, is it eligible for RVSM operations world-wide?

Answer 1

Yes. If an aircraft is RVSM compliant with U.S. regulations, and operators adopt the policies and procedures in the areas of intended operation.

Question 2

Is TCAS equipment specifically required for RVSM operations?

Answer 2

No. Regulations do not require TCAS for RVSM, however if your aircraft is TCAS equipped it must meet the requirements of TSO C-119b (Version 7.0) or later.

Question 3

What is required if you operate under an MEL and conduct RVSM operations?

Answer 3

The MEL must include items pertinent to operating in RVSM airspace.

Question 4

RVSM airspace is the reduction of standard vertical separation between aircraft flying between what flight levels?

Answer 4

290-410.

Question 5

RVSM reduces vertical separation from a standard of 2,000 feet to:

Answer 5

1,000 feet.

Question 6

What of the following is required equipment for operation within RVSM airspace?

Answer 6

An altitude alert system.

Question 7

You are planning a flight that will take you through RVSM airspace. The aircraft is authorized for RVSM operations and all RVSM required equipment is operational. On the ICAO flight plan, what suffix will you place in item 10 for equipment?

Answer 7

W.

Question 8

During the pre-flight external inspection of the aircraft it is important that you pay particular attention to the:

Answer 8

Condition of static sources and fuselage skin near each static source.

Question 9

Altitude keeping performance errors must be reported to the operator’s Administrator. Which of the following errors would need to be reported?

Answer 9

A total vertical error of 300 feet (91 meters).

Question 10

There are several conditions that may affect whether an aircraft can operate in RVSM airspace. During the flight planning process flightcrew and dispatchers should pay particular attention to:

Answer 10

All of the answers are correct.

Question 11

Prior to taking off on a flight in RVSM airspace, the aircraft altimeters should be set to the local setting. The displayed altitude and known elevation should not differ by more than:

Answer 11

75 feet.

Question 12

During cleared transitions between flight levels, the aircraft should not be allowed to over- or undershoot the cleared flight level by more than:

Answer 12

150 feet.

Question 13

During flight in RVSM airspace, you experience a possible loss of all automatic altitude control systems. Which of the following potential initial actions would be appropriate?

Answer 13

Maintain CFL, to the extent possible, while evaluating the situation.

Question 14

During flight in RVSM airspace, you experience a loss of all primary altimetry systems. Which of the following potential actions would be appropriate?

Answer 14

Contact ATC and state “Unable RVSM due equipment.”

Question 15

During flight in RVSM airspace, you discover that the primary altimeters diverge by more than 200 feet (60 m). Which of the following potential actions would be appropriate?

Answer 15

Contact ATC and state “Unable RVSM due equipment.”

Question 16

The general contingency procedure for leaving the assigned route or track when prior clearance cannot be assigned, is to initially turn at least:

Answer 16

30 degrees.

Question 17

When deviating from the assigned track due to weather conditions, without controller clearance and the deviation is less than 5 NM, should you change flight level?

Answer 17

No. Maintain the last flight level assigned by ATC.

Question 18

Is an ATC clearance required in order to fly a lateral offset (SLOP)?

Answer 18

No. Except in domestic U.S. airspace (non-oceanic), and depending on the states involved (oceanic).

Question 19

When unable to maintain flight level or you are unsure of altitude-keeping capability, your initial actions should always include what of the following?

Answer 19

Notify ATC and request assistance.

Question 20

If you experience turbulence severe enough to induce altitude deviations of 200 feet or greater, what action should be taken?

Answer 20

Contact ATC and state “Unable RVSM due turbulence”.

Question 21

If you experience wake turbulence while in RVSM airspace, you should contact ATC and request a:

Answer 21

All of the answers are viable options.

Question 22

In what situations may a pilot expect wake turbulence in RVSM airspace?

Answer 22

Within 10-30 miles after passing 1,000 ft below opposite-direction traffic.

Question 23

If you are unable to RVSM due to an equipment failure, notify ATC who will:

Answer 23

Provide a 2,000 foot vertical separation or appropriate horizontal separation.

Question 24

May U.S-registered operators conduct operations in RVSM airspace before conducting the initial 6 month height-monitoring?

Answer 24

Yes. Evidence of previous successful monitoring of an airplane may be used to meet the monitoring requirements.

Question 25

Which of the following systems meet the height monitoring requirements for flight in RVSM airspace?

Answer 25

All of the answers are correct.

Question 26

How often should cross-checks between the primary altimeter and standby altimeter be done during flight in RVSM airspace?

Answer 26

1 hour intervals.