AIM

4/3/14

4−6−1

Operational Policy/Procedures for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) in the

Domestic U.S., Alaska, Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR

Section 6. Operational Policy/Procedures for Reduced

Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) in the Domestic

U.S., Alaska, Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR

4

−

6

−

1. Applicability and RVSM Mandate

(Date/Time and Area)

a. 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 Mexico 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 are posted on the FAA

“RVSM Documentation” Webpage described in

paragraph 4−6−3, Aircraft and Operator Approval

Policy/Procedures, RVSM Monitoring and Data-

bases for Aircraft and Operator Approval.

b. Mandate.

At 0901 UTC on January 20, 2005,

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 Mexico

High Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR. (A

chart showing the location of offshore airspace is

posted on the Domestic U.S. RVSM (DRVSM)

Webpage. See paragraph 4−6−3.) On the same time

and date, RVSM was also introduced into the

adjoining airspace of Canada and Mexico to provide

a seamless environment for aircraft traversing those

borders. In addition, RVSM was implemented on the

same date in the Caribbean and South American

regions.

c. RVSM Authorization.

In accordance with

14 CFR Section 91.180, with only limited excep-

tions, prior to operating in RVSM airspace, operators

and aircraft must have received RVSM authorization

from the responsible civil aviation authority. (See

paragraph 4−6−10, Procedures for Accommodation

of Non−RVSM Aircraft.) If the operator or aircraft or

both have not been authorized for RVSM operations,

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.

d. 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.

4

−

6

−

2. Flight Level Orientation Scheme

Altitude assignments for direction of flight follow a

scheme of odd altitude assignment for magnetic

courses 000−179 degrees and even altitudes for

magnetic courses 180−359 degrees for flights up to

and including FL 410, as indicated in FIG 4−6−1.

FIG 4

−6−1

Flight Level Orientation Scheme

NOTE

−

Odd Flight Levels: Magnetic Course 000

−179 Degrees

Even Flight Levels: Magnetic Course 180

−359 Degrees.