Non-RVSM Climb/Descent

AIM ¶ 4-6-11 — Non-RVSM Climb/Descent

AIM 4-6-11 explains how non-RVSM aircraft can climb to or descend from flight levels above RVSM airspace without leveling off. File-and-fly procedures.

In Plain English

RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum) airspace is FL290–FL410, where aircraft must be specifically approved to operate with 1,000 ft vertical separation. If you're flying a non-RVSM aircraft but need to transit through RVSM airspace to reach a higher altitude (or descend from one), AIM 4-6-11 lays out how ATC handles you.

Key points:

File-and-Fly: Just file your flight plan normally — no special request needed.
Workload permitting: ATC will accommodate you only if traffic and workload allow.
2,000 ft separation: Controllers must apply 2,000 ft vertical separation between your non-RVSM aircraft and all other aircraft inside RVSM airspace.
Continuous climb/descent required: Your aircraft must be able to climb or descend through RVSM airspace without leveling off at any intermediate altitude.
Normal rate: You must be capable of a normal climb or descent rate for your aircraft type.
Required call: Per AIM 4-6-8 phraseology, you must inform the controller you are "negative RVSM" so they know to apply the 2,000 ft standard.

Why it matters: this is how piston, turboprop, or older jet operators legally transit RVSM airspace to reach higher cruise altitudes — but it's accommodation only, not guaranteed.

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AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 4-6-11

4-6-11. 4-6-11. Non-RVSM Aircraft Requesting Climb to and Descent from Flight Levels Above RVSM Airspace Without Intermediate Level Off File-and-Fly. Operators of Non-RVSM aircraft climbing to and descending from RVSM flight levels should just file a flight plan. Non-RVSM aircraft climbing to and descending from flight levels above RVSM airspace will be handled on a workload permitting basis. The vertical separation standard applied in RVSM airspace between non-RVSM aircraft and all other aircraft must be 2,000 feet. Non-RVSM aircraft climbing to/descending from RVSM airspace can only be considered for accommodation provided: Aircraft is capable of a continuous climb/descent and does not need to level off at an intermediate altitude for any operational considerations and Aircraft is capable of climb/descent at the normal rate for the aircraft. 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. Previous | Top | Next AIM | ATPUBS | FAA | Send your comments regarding this website.

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1How does a non-RVSM aircraft request to climb through RVSM airspace to a flight level above it?

Per AIM 4-6-11, it's a 'file-and-fly' procedure — the operator simply files a flight plan and ATC will accommodate the request on a workload-permitting basis. No special prior coordination is required.

Q2What two performance conditions must a non-RVSM aircraft meet to be accommodated through RVSM airspace?

Per AIM 4-6-11, the aircraft must (1) be capable of a continuous climb or descent without needing to level off at any intermediate altitude for operational reasons, and (2) be capable of climbing or descending at the normal rate for that aircraft type.

Q3What vertical separation does ATC apply between a non-RVSM aircraft and other traffic in RVSM airspace, and what call must the pilot make?

Per AIM 4-6-11, controllers must apply 2,000 feet of vertical separation between non-RVSM aircraft and all other aircraft in RVSM airspace. The pilot must inform ATC of the lack of RVSM approval using the phraseology in AIM 4-6-8 (i.e., reporting 'negative RVSM').

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4

¶ 4-6-1

RVSM Applicability and Mandate

¶ 4-6-10

Non-RVSM Accommodation

¶ 4-6-2

Flight Level Orientation

¶ 4-6-3

RVSM Approval Procedures

¶ 4-6-4

RVSM Flight Plan Filing

¶ 4-6-5