RVSM

Question 1

What is RVSM airspace?

Answer 1

1. Between FL 290 and FL410 inclusive
2. Aircraft are separated by 1000 ft

Question 2

What equipment is required for RVSM operation?

(7 items)

Answer 2

1. PFD x 2
2. ADR x 2
3. DMC x 2
4. Transponder x 1
5. Autopilot function x 1
6. FCU channel x 1
7. FWC Channel x 1

Question 3

What are the crew requirements for operation in RVSM airspace?

Answer 3

1. Complete initial training (1 hour)
2. Complete recurrent training every year

Question 4

What are the three (3) categories of requirements to perform RVSM operations?

(JCAB Question)

Answer 4

1. Equipment
2. Operational
3. Crew

Question 5

Operational Requirements - Flight Planning

What are the operational procedures that must be completed at the flight planning stage?

Answer 5

1. Check aircraft is approved for RVSM, W on flight plan
2. Check weather forecasts (not greater than MOD turbulence)
3. Check equipment needed for RVSM (No MEL/CDL affecting RVSM).

Question 6

Operational Requirements - at the aircraft

Answer 6

1. Aircraft logbook - no defects
2. External Inspection - Static Ports area clean - Pitot condition check.
3. Check Altimeters within tolerances

Question 7

What are the altimeter tolerances for operations in RVSM airspace?

Answer 7

With accurate QNH set, both altimeters:

1. +/- 75 ft of field elevation
2. +/- 20 ft of each other

Question 8

What is the tolerance for the primary altimeters at transition - “Set Standard”

Answer 8

+/- 75 ft

Question 9

What is the altitude capture mode on the A320?

Answer 9

ALT* (in a box)

Question 10

What is the tolerance for overshoot or undershoot of assigned level?

Answer 10

+/- 150 ft

Question 11

What is the tolerance between primary altimeters during level cruise in RVSM airspace?

Answer 11

+/- 200 ft (CAL)

However, A320 FCOM limitation is +/- 130 ft at FL300

Question 12

How often should the altimeters be checked during cruise flight in RVSM airspace?

Answer 12

Every hour

Question 13

Can you fly in RVSM airspace using VS 0 set on the FCU?

Answer 13

No

VS does not have any altitude capture capability

Question 14

What altitude modes should be used for flight in RVSM airspace?

Answer 14

ALT CRZ or ALT

Question 15

Which transponder should be selected in RVSM airspace?

Answer 15

The same transponder corresponding to the primary altimeter and Autopilot in use>

AP1 = Xponder 1
AP2 = Xponder 2

Question 16

In case the FO altimeter is outside 200 feet of the Capt altimeter, can the ISIS be used to determine the faulty altimeter?

Answer 16

No

ISIS is not accurate enough to meet RVSM requirements

Question 17

What should you do if there is a large discrepancy between the primary altimeters?

Answer 17

1. Determine the faulty altimeter / ADR
   (do this by selecting ADR 2 to to ADR 3 then compare the altitude reading with ADR 1. If still out, try ADR 1 to ADR 3 then compare).
2. Select faulty altimeter / ADR to ADR 3.
3. Regain correct altitude (OPEN DES - ALT*)
4. Confirm with ATC that the altitude is correct.
5. Apply tolerance for ADR 3 to ADR 1 or 2
   (i.e. 195 ft at FL 300)

Question 18

In case of altitude discrepancies, what information should be recorded in the aircraft Flight Logbook?

Answer 18

1. All primary and standby altimeter readings
2. FCU Altitude selector setting
3. sub-scale setting
4. Autopilot used to control and any differences if other AP was used.
5. Transponder selected

Question 19

In case of loss of altimeter system redundancy that cannot be resolved, what should you do?

Answer 19

Land at nearest suitable airport.

(JCAB requirement)

Question 20

When should you report turbulence to ATC?

Answer 20

Greater than moderate

Question 21

What are the ATC phraseology used in RVSM operations?

Answer 21

1. Unable RVSM due turbulence
2. Unable RVSM due equipment

Question 22

What events require reports?

Answer 22

1. Significant performance degradation - OSCAR
2. Deviate more than 300 ft from assigned altitude in RVSM airspace - OSCAR with special form “Large Height Deviation”attached.