AIM

4/3/14

4−6−9

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

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

Mountain Wave Activity (MWA) Encounters 

− General

Pilot actions:

Controller actions:

SContact ATC and report experiencing MWA

SIf so desired, pilot may request a FL change or

re−route 

SReport location and magnitude of MWA to ATC

SAdvise pilot of conflicting traffic at adjacent FL

SIf pilot requests, vector aircraft to avoid merging

target with traffic at adjacent RVSM flight levels,

traffic permitting

SIssue FL change or re−route, traffic permitting

SIssue PIREP to other aircraft

See paragraph 4−6−6 for guidance on MWA.

Paragraph 4−6−6 explains “traffic permitting.”

NOTE

−

MWA encounters do not necessarily result in altitude deviations on the order of 200 feet. The guidance below is
intended to address less significant MWA encounters.

Wake Turbulence Encounters

Pilot should:

Controller should:

SContact ATC and request vector, FL change or,

if capable, a lateral offset

SIssue vector, FL change or lateral offset

clearance, traffic permitting

See paragraph 4−6−7, Guidance on Wake

Turbulence.

Paragraph 4−6−6 explains “traffic permitting.”

“Unable RVSM Due Equipment”

Failure of Automatic Altitude Control System, Altitude Alerter or All Primary Altimeters

Pilot will:

Controller will:

SContact ATC and state “Unable RVSM Due

Equipment”

SRequest clearance out of RVSM airspace unless

operational situation dictates otherwise

SProvide 2,000 feet vertical separation or

appropriate horizontal separation

SClear aircraft out of RVSM airspace unless

operational situation dictates otherwise

One Primary Altimeter Remains Operational

Pilot will:

Controller will:

SCross check stand−by altimeter

SNotify ATC of operation with single primary

altimeter

SIf unable to confirm primary altimeter accuracy,

follow actions for failure of all primary altimeters

SAcknowledge operation with single primary

altimeter