AIM

4/3/14

4−6−7

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

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

TBL 4

−6−1

Pilot/Controller Phraseology

Message

Phraseology

For a controller to ascertain the RVSM approval status of

an aircraft:

(call sign) confirm RVSM approved

Pilot indication that flight is RVSM approved

Affirm RVSM

Pilot  report of lack of RVSM approval (non−RVSM status).

Pilot will report non−RVSM status, as follows:

Negative RVSM, (supplementary information,

e.g., “Certification flight”).

a.

 On the initial call on any frequency in the RVSM

airspace and . . ..
b.

 In all requests for flight level changes pertaining to

flight levels within the RVSM airspace and . . ..
c.

 In all read backs to flight level clearances pertaining

to flight levels within the RVSM airspace and . . ..
d.

 In read back of flight level clearances involving

climb and descent through RVSM airspace 

(FL 290 − 410).

Pilot report of one of the following after entry into RVSM

airspace: all primary altimeters, automatic altitude control

systems or altitude alerters have failed. 

(See paragraph 4−6−9, Contingency Actions: Weather

Encounters and Aircraft System Failures.) 

NOTE

−

This phrase is to be used to convey both the initial indication of
RVSM aircraft system failure and on initial contact on all
frequencies in RVSM airspace until the problem ceases to exist
or the aircraft has exited RVSM airspace.

Unable RVSM Due Equipment

ATC denial of clearance into RVSM airspace

Unable issue clearance into RVSM airspace, maintain FL

*Pilot reporting inability to maintain cleared flight level

due to weather encounter. 

(See paragraph 4−6−9, Contingency Actions: Weather

Encounters and Aircraft System Failures).

*Unable RVSM due (state reason) (e.g., turbulence,

mountain wave)

ATC requesting pilot to confirm that an aircraft has

regained RVSM−approved status or a pilot is ready to

resume RVSM

Confirm able to resume RVSM

Pilot ready to resume RVSM after aircraft system or

weather contingency

Ready to resume RVSM