RVSM

Question 1

What is RVSM?

Answer 1

Reduced Vertical Separation Minima

Airspace where vertical separation is reduced from 2000 to 1000 between FL290 - FL 410

Question 2

What are the benefits of RVSM?

Answer 2

The theoretical doubling of the airspace capacity, between FL290 and FL410; and
the opportunity for aircraft to operate at closer to the optimum flight levels with the resulting fuel economies.

Question 3

What letter do you put in item 10 of your flight plan to indicate you are RVSM certified?

Answer 3

“W”

Question 4

What is the required equipment to operate within RVSM airspace?

Answer 4

1. Two serviceable independent primary altitude
   measurement systems. Single source not ok!!!
2. One Altitude alerting device
3. One Mode C transponder
4. One automatic altitude control system

Question 5

What are the pre-flight procedures regarding RVSM?

Answer 5

1. Check “W” is inserted in item 10 of the flight plan
2. Check that there are no SADD’s or PADD’s that will
   affect flight in RVSM airspace
3. During walk-around check areas adjacent to pitot and
   static ports for smoothness

Question 6

What should you need to check prior to entering RVSM airspace?

Answer 6

1. Autopilot can hold selected altitude
2. Altitude alerting system is operative
3. Primary altimeters shall agree within 200 ft
4. Mode C transponder is selected

Question 7

What is the max over- undershoot of an altitude when climbing or descending in RVSM airspace?

Answer 7

150 ft

Question 8

Is SLOP procedures ok to use in RVSM airspace?

Answer 8

Yes. offset up to 2 nm to alleviate the effect of wake turbulence. ATC shall be notified and the aircraft shall return to assigned track as soon as practicable.
(ATC may not issue a clearance)

Question 9

What accuracy does the autopilot needs to be certified to fly in RVSM airspace?

Answer 9

Keep the aircraft within 65 ft of assigned altitude

Question 10

For what failures in RVSM airspace do you have to inform ATC

Answer 10

1. Loss of one or more primary altimetry systems

2. Failure of all automatic altitude control systems

Question 11

How can you minimize TCAS alerts when climbing or descending in RVSM airspace?

Answer 11

Limit your vertical speed to 1’000 ft/min within 1’000 ft of your assigned altitude

Question 12

What is the altitude deviation allowed in RVSM airspace before you have raise an ASR?

Answer 12

Deviation of more than 300 ft from assigned level

Question 13

What is the max altitude deviation that is allowed before you should inform ATC and what would be your phraseology?

Answer 13

200 ft

“Unable RVSM due turbulence”

Question 14

What is your strategy in case of a rapid descent, emergency descent or diversion within RVSM airspace?

Answer 14

Leave assigned route by turning at least 45 deg right or left and acquire an offset which is mid point between adjacent parallel tracks for all regions except Middle East and Oceanic regions.
The offset in The Middle East is 25 nm
The offset in Oceanic regions are 15 nm
If able to maintain level and 10 nm off track center line, then climb or descend 500 ft
If unable to maintain level, minimize descent and select a level that differs by 500 ft

Question 15

What is the procedure for descent/deviations in China RVSM airspace?

Answer 15

Turn right 30 deg and establish a 5 nm offset, then climb or descend to new level