RVSM Airspace Operations

FAR 91.180 — RVSM Airspace Operations

FAR 91.180 explains who can fly in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace, the equipment standards, and FAA authorization required.

In Plain English

FAR 91.180 governs flight in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace — the airspace between FL290 and FL410 where aircraft can be vertically separated by only 1,000 feet instead of the standard 2,000 feet above FL290. Because aircraft fly closer together vertically, the FAA holds operators to strict equipment and approval standards.

To legally operate a civil aircraft in RVSM airspace, you must meet both of the following:

The operator and aircraft comply with the minimum standards in Appendix G of Part 91, which addresses altimetry system accuracy, autopilot performance, altitude alerting, and altitude-keeping equipment.
The operator is authorized to conduct RVSM operations either by the FAA Administrator or by the country of registry.

The Administrator may authorize a deviation from these requirements on a case-by-case basis (for example, a one-time ferry flight of a non-RVSM aircraft).

Why it matters: flying in RVSM airspace without meeting these standards risks loss of separation with traffic just 1,000 feet away — and is a regulatory violation. Most piston students won't fly RVSM, but understanding the rule is fair game on knowledge and oral exams.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 91.180

§ 91.180 Operations within airspace designated as Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum airspace. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate a civil aircraft in airspace designated as Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace unless: (1) The operator and the operator's aircraft comply with the minimum standards of appendix G of this part; and (2) The operator is authorized by the Administrator or the country of registry to conduct such operations. (b) The Administrator may authorize a deviation from the requirements of this section. [Amdt. 91-276, 68 FR 70133, Dec. 17, 2003]

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What is RVSM airspace, and what do you need to legally operate in it?

Per FAR 91.180, RVSM airspace allows 1,000-foot vertical separation between FL290 and FL410. To operate there, the operator and aircraft must meet the minimum standards of Appendix G to Part 91, and the operator must be authorized by the Administrator or the country of registry.

Q2If your aircraft isn't RVSM-equipped, can you ever fly through RVSM airspace?

Yes — FAR 91.180(b) allows the Administrator to authorize a deviation from the requirements, which is how non-RVSM aircraft (such as ferry or maintenance flights) can be cleared through that airspace.

Q3Where are the specific equipment and performance standards for RVSM operations found?

FAR 91.180(a)(1) points to Appendix G of Part 91, which contains the minimum aircraft and operator standards — including altimetry, altitude-keeping, and altitude-alerting requirements — that must be met for RVSM flight.

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Related Sections in Part 91

§ 91.1

Part 91 Applicability