RVSM Operating Procedures

AIM ¶ 4-6-5 — RVSM Operating Procedures

AIM 4-6-5 explains pilot RVSM operating practices, the RVSM mandate, and exceptions for non-compliant aircraft. Study guide for checkride prep.

In Plain English

AIM 4-6-5 lays out how pilots must operate when flying in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace (FL290–FL410). The core rule: if either the operator is not RVSM-authorized or the aircraft is not RVSM-compliant, the pilot must not request or accept a clearance into RVSM airspace.

There are only three exceptions:

Non-RVSM accommodation flights by DoD, MEDEVAC, certification/development, or foreign State aircraft (per AIM 4-6-10).
Climb to or descent from FL 430 or above without intermediate level-off (per AIM 4-6-11).
An emergency situation.

For day-to-day RVSM operations, the FAA points pilots to AC 91-85, which contains the recommended practices for flight planning, preflight checks at the aircraft, pre-entry procedures, en route procedures, contingencies, and post-flight actions. Operators must build these practices into their training programs and operational documents. The remainder of AIM Section 6 supplements or clarifies AC 91-85. Operationally, this matters because flying in RVSM without authorization compromises the 1,000-foot vertical separation standard ATC relies on at high altitudes.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 4-6-5

4-6-5. 4-6-5. Pilot RVSM Operating Practices and Procedures RVSM Mandate. If either the operatoris not authorized for RVSM operations or the aircraft is not RVSM-compliant, the pilot will neither request nor accept a clearance into RVSM airspace unless: The flight is conducted by a non-RVSM DoD, MEDEVAC, certification/development or foreign State (government) aircraft in accordance with paragraph 4-6-10 , Procedures for Accommodation of Non-RVSM Aircraft. The pilot intends to climb to or descend from FL 430 or above in accordance with paragraph 4-6-11 , Non-RVSM Aircraft Requesting Climb to and Descent from Flight Levels Above RVSM Airspace Without Intermediate Level Off. An emergency situation exists. Basic RVSM Operating Practices and Procedures. AC 91-85 contains pilot practices and procedures for RVSM. Operators must incorporate applicable practices and procedures, as supplemented by the applicable paragraphs of this section, into operator training or pilot knowledge programs and operator documents containing RVSM operational policies. AC 91-85 contains practices and procedures for flight planning, preflight procedures at the aircraft, procedures prior to RVSM airspace entry, inflight (en route) procedures, contingency procedures and post flight. The following paragraphs either clarify or supplement AC 91-85 practices and procedures.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1If your aircraft is not RVSM-compliant, can you accept a clearance into RVSM airspace?

Per AIM 4-6-5, no — the pilot will neither request nor accept a clearance into RVSM airspace unless one of three exceptions applies: the flight qualifies as a non-RVSM accommodation flight (DoD, MEDEVAC, certification/development, or foreign State aircraft per AIM 4-6-10), the flight is climbing to or descending from FL 430 or above per AIM 4-6-11, or an emergency exists.

Q2Where can a pilot find the recommended practices and procedures for RVSM operations?

Per AIM 4-6-5, AC 91-85 contains the pilot practices and procedures for RVSM, covering flight planning, preflight at the aircraft, pre-entry, en route (inflight), contingency, and post-flight procedures. Operators must incorporate these into training and operational documents.

Q3Does AIM 4-6-5 allow an emergency exception to the RVSM authorization requirement?

Yes. Per AIM 4-6-5, a pilot of a non-compliant aircraft or unauthorized operator may enter RVSM airspace if an emergency situation exists, in addition to the accommodation and climb/descent exceptions referenced in AIM 4-6-10 and 4-6-11.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4

¶ 4-6-1

RVSM Applicability and Mandate

¶ 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