Vertical Separation Flashcards
FOR CKT1 EXAM
Vertical separation minima.
- Up to and including FL410- 1,000 ft except 2,000 ft at or above FL290 for non RVSM aircraft and all other aircraft
- Above FL410- 2,000 ft
When can you assign an altitude to an aircraft with another aircraft at that altitude?
After the aircraft previously at that altitude has been issued a climb or descent clearance and is observed or reports leaving that altitude
What phraseology do you use to get an altitude report?
REPORT LEAVING/REPORT REACHING/SAY ALTITUDE/SAY FLIGHT LEVEL/SAY ALTITUDE OR FLIGHT LEVEL
What must you consider when applying vertical separation minima?
Known aircraft performance characteristics and information indicating that climb/ descent rates are not consistent with rates recommended in the AIM (information may be pilot-furnished or mode C observed)
What are the exceptions to the standard vertical separation minima?
• Assign an altitude to an aircraft only after the aircraft previously at that altitude has reported at or passing through another altitude SEPARATED from the first by the appropriate minima when:
o Severe turbulence is reported
o Military aircraft are conducting aerial refueling
o The aircraft at that altitude has been issued a climb or descent at pilots discretion (X restriction is PD)
o The aircraft at that altitude has been issued a cruse clearance
What are the advantages of a PD?
Pilot gets to choose when to start climb or descent, pilot may level off but after vacating cannot go back, may conserve fuel for an aircraft
What are the disadvantages of PD?
Controller must protect more altitudes which may interfere with sequencing and separation of traffic
What are the minimums for separating aircraft from SUA?
- FL290 and below- at least 500 ft above or below…but altitudes are assigned in 1000 ft intervals
- Above FL290- at least 1000 ft above or below
