TBL 4-6-1

Pilot/Controller Phraseology
Message
For a controller to ascertain the RVSM approval status of
an aircraft:
Pilot indication that flight is RVSM approved
Pilot report of lack of RVSM approval (non-RVSM status).
Pilot will report non-RVSM status, as follows:
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 that Occur After
Entry into RVSM Airspace.)

Phraseology
(call sign) confirm RVSM approved
Affirm RVSM
Negative RVSM, (supplementary information,
e.g., "Certification flight").

Unable RVSM Due Equipment

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.

ATC denial of clearance into RVSM airspace
*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 that Occur After
Entry into RVSM Airspace.).

Unable issue clearance into RVSM airspace, maintain FL
*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
Pilot ready to resume RVSM after aircraft system or
weather contingency

Confirm able to resume RVSM

4-6-6

Ready to resume RVSM

Operational Policy/Procedures for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) in the
Domestic U.S., Alaska, Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR