AIM ¶ 4-6-10 — Non-RVSM Accommodation
AIM 4-6-10 explains how non-RVSM aircraft can access RVSM airspace, eligible categories, pilot calls, and 2,000-foot vertical separation rules.
In Plain English
RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums) airspace normally requires aircraft and operators to be RVSM-authorized. AIM 4-6-10 explains the limited exceptions under which the FAA may accommodate a non-RVSM aircraft in RVSM airspace, per 14 CFR 91.180 and Part 91, Appendix G.
Key points:
- Non-RVSM flights are handled on a workload-permitting basis.
- ATC must apply 2,000 feet vertical separation between non-RVSM aircraft and all other traffic (vs. the standard 1,000 ft in RVSM).
- Pilots must inform ATC of the lack of RVSM approval using phraseology from AIM 4-6-8.
Categories that may be accommodated (with operational transponder):
- DoD aircraft
- Certification/development flights
- Active MEDEVAC air ambulance flights
- Aircraft climbing/descending through RVSM levels without intermediate level-off (see AIM 4-6-11)
- Foreign State (government) aircraft
Access methods: an LOA/MOU with the RVSM facility, or File-and-Fly via flight plan. RVSM-compliant aircraft get priority, then File-and-Fly. This is operational FAA policy, not a way to bypass RVSM approval.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 4-6-104-6-10. 4-6-10. Procedures for Accommodation of Non-RVSM Aircraft
General Policies for Accommodation of Non-RVSM Aircraft The RVSM mandate calls for only RVSM authorized aircraft/operators to fly in designated RVSM airspace with limited exceptions. The policies detailed below are intended exclusively for use by aircraft that the FAA has agreed to accommodate. They are not intended to provide other operators a means to circumvent the normal RVSM approval process. If the operator is not authorized or the aircraft is not RVSM-compliant, the aircraft will be referred to as a “non-RVSM” aircraft. 14 CFR section 91.180 and part 91, Appendix G, enable the FAA to authorize a deviation to operate a non-RVSM aircraft in RVSM airspace. Non-RVSM aircraft flights will be handled on a workload permitting basis. The vertical separation standard applied between aircraft not approved for RVSM and all other aircraft must be 2,000 feet. Required Pilot Calls. The pilot of non-RVSM aircraft will inform the controller of the lack of RVSM approval in accordance with the direction provided in paragraph 4-6-8 , Pilot/Controller Phraseology. Categories of Non-RVSM Aircraft that may be Accommodated Subject to FAA approval and clearance, the following categories of non-RVSM aircraft may operate in domestic U.S. RVSM airspace provided they have an operational transponder. Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft. Flights conducted for aircraft certification and development purposes. Active air ambulance flights utilizing a “MEDEVAC” call sign. Aircraft climbing/descending through RVSM flight levels (without intermediate level off) to/from FLs above RVSM airspace (Policies for these flights are detailed in paragraph 4-6-11 , Non-RVSM Aircraft Requesting Climb to and Descent from Flight Levels Above RVSM Airspace Without Intermediate Level Off. Foreign State (government) aircraft. Methods for operators of non-RVSM aircraft to request access to RVSM Airspace. Operators may: LOA/MOU. Enter into a Letter of Agreement (LOA)/Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the RVSM facility (the Air Traffic facility that provides air traffic services in RVSM airspace). Operators must comply with LOA/MOU. File-and-Fly. File a flight plan to notify the FAA of their intention to request access to RVSM airspace. NOTE- Priority for access to RVSM airspace will be afforded to RVSM compliant aircraft, then File-and-Fly flights.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What vertical separation does ATC apply between a non-RVSM aircraft and other traffic in RVSM airspace?
Per AIM 4-6-10, ATC must apply 2,000 feet of vertical separation between a non-RVSM aircraft and all other aircraft, instead of the 1,000 ft RVSM standard.
Q2Which categories of non-RVSM aircraft may the FAA accommodate in domestic RVSM airspace?
Per AIM 4-6-10, subject to FAA approval and with an operational transponder: DoD aircraft, certification/development flights, active MEDEVAC air ambulance flights, aircraft climbing/descending through RVSM levels without intermediate level-off, and Foreign State (government) aircraft.
Q3How can an operator request access to RVSM airspace for a non-RVSM aircraft?
Per AIM 4-6-10, operators may either enter into an LOA/MOU with the RVSM facility and comply with it, or use File-and-Fly by filing a flight plan to notify the FAA. RVSM-compliant aircraft are given priority over File-and-Fly flights.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4