RVSM Applicability and Mandate

AIM ¶ 4-6-1 — RVSM Applicability and Mandate

AIM 4-6-1 explains RVSM applicability, the FL290–FL410 mandate, authorization requirements under 14 CFR 91.180, and operational benefits for pilots.

In Plain English

Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) reduces the vertical separation between aircraft from 2,000 ft to 1,000 ft between FL290 and FL410 inclusive. AIM 4-6-1 covers where this applies and what's required to operate there.

Where it applies (this section):

Airspace over the lower 48 states
Alaska
Atlantic and Gulf of America High Offshore Airspace
San Juan FIR

These are areas where VHF/UHF voice direct controller-pilot communication (DCPC) is normally available. For oceanic airspace without DCPC, refer to the AIP (ENR 1 and ENR 7).

Authorization requirement: Per 14 CFR 91.180, operators must meet the standards of Part 91, Appendix G and be authorized by the Administrator before flying in RVSM airspace. An aircraft or operator that hasn't met these standards is called a non-RVSM aircraft — limited accommodations exist for DoD, MEDEVAC, foreign State, and certification/development flights (see AIM 4-6-10 and 4-6-11).

Why it matters: RVSM increases usable flight levels, improves ATC flexibility, reduces controller workload, and lets operators fly more fuel-efficient altitudes and preferred routes.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 4-6-1

4-6-1. 4-6-1. Applicability and RVSM Mandate (Date/Time and Area) Applicability. The policies, guidance and direction in this section apply to RVSM operations in the airspace over the lower 48 states, Alaska, Atlantic and Gulf of America High Offshore Airspace and airspace in the San Juan FIR where VHF or UHF voice direct controller-pilot communication (DCPC) is normally available. Policies, guidance and direction for RVSM operations in oceanic airspace where VHF or UHF voice DCPC is not available and the airspace of other countries can be found in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), Part II- En Route, ENR 1. General Rules and Procedures, and ENR 7.Oceanic Operations. Requirement. The FAA implemented RVSM between flight level (FL) 290-410 (inclusive) in the following airspace: the airspace of the lower 48 states of the United States, Alaska, Atlantic and Gulf of America High Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR. RVSM has been implemented worldwide and may be applied in all ICAO Flight Information Regions (FIR). RVSM Authorization. In accordance with 14 CFR section 91.180, with only limited exceptions, prior to operating in RVSM airspace, operators must comply with the standards of part 91, Appendix G, and be authorized by the Administrator. If either the operator or the operator's aircraft have not met the applicable RVSM standards, the aircraft will be referred to as a “non-RVSM” aircraft. Paragraph 4-6-10 discusses ATC policies for accommodation of non-RVSM aircraft flown by the Department of Defense, Air Ambulance (MEDEVAC) operators, foreign State governments and aircraft flown for certification and development. Paragraph 4-6-11 , Non-RVSM Aircraft Requesting Climb to and Descent from Flight Levels Above RVSM Airspace Without Intermediate Level Off, contains policies for non-RVSM aircraft climbing and descending through RVSM airspace to/from flight levels above RVSM airspace. Benefits. RVSM enhances ATC flexibility, mitigates conflict points, enhances sector throughput, reduces controller workload and enables crossing traffic. Operators gain fuel savings and operating efficiency benefits by flying at more fuel efficient flight levels and on more user preferred routings.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What altitudes define RVSM airspace, and where in the U.S. has the FAA implemented it?

Per AIM 4-6-1, RVSM is implemented from FL290 through FL410 inclusive in the airspace of the lower 48 states, Alaska, Atlantic and Gulf of America High Offshore Airspace, and the San Juan FIR.

Q2What must an operator do before flying in RVSM airspace?

Per AIM 4-6-1 and 14 CFR 91.180, with only limited exceptions, operators must comply with the standards of Part 91, Appendix G, and be authorized by the Administrator before operating in RVSM airspace. If they don't meet these standards, the aircraft is considered non-RVSM.

Q3What operational benefits does RVSM provide?

Per AIM 4-6-1, RVSM enhances ATC flexibility, mitigates conflict points, increases sector throughput, reduces controller workload, and enables crossing traffic. Operators gain fuel savings and efficiency by flying more fuel-efficient flight levels and user-preferred routings.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4

¶ 4-6-10

Non-RVSM Accommodation

¶ 4-6-11

Non-RVSM Climb/Descent

¶ 4-6-2

Flight Level Orientation

¶ 4-6-3

RVSM Approval Procedures

¶ 4-6-4

RVSM Flight Plan Filing

¶ 4-6-5