AIM

4/3/14

4−6−6

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

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

after RVSM implementation (eight versus seven

reports in a ten−month period). In addition, they

found that reported wake turbulence was generally

similar to moderate clear air turbulence.

d.

Pilot Action to Mitigate Wake Turbulence

Encounters

1.

Pilots should be alert for wake turbulence

when operating:

(a)

In the vicinity of aircraft climbing or

descending through their altitude.

(b)

Approximately 10−30  miles after passing

1,000 feet below opposite−direction traffic.

(c)

Approximately 10−30 miles behind and

1,000 feet below same−direction traffic.

2.

Pilots encountering or anticipating wake

turbulence in DRVSM airspace have the option of

requesting a vector, FL change, or if capable, a lateral

offset.

NOTE

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1. Offsets of approximately a wing span upwind generally
can move the aircraft out of the immediate vicinity of
another aircraft’s wake vortex.

2. In domestic U.S. airspace, pilots must request clearance
to fly a lateral offset. Strategic lateral offsets flown in
oceanic airspace do not apply.

e.

The FAA will track wake turbulence events as

an element of its post implementation program. The

FAA will advertise wake turbulence reporting

procedures to the operator community and publish

reporting procedures on the RVSM Documentation

Webpage (See address in paragraph 4−6−3, Aircraft

and Operator Approval Policy/Procedures, RVSM

Monitoring and Databases for Aircraft and Operator

Approval.

4

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6

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8. Pilot/Controller Phraseology

TBL 4−6−1 shows standard phraseology that pilots

and controllers will use to communicate in DRVSM

operations.