4-6-9. Contingency Actions: Weather
Encounters and Aircraft System Failures
that Occur After Entry into RVSM Airspace
TBL 4-6-2 provides pilot guidance on actions to
take under certain conditions of aircraft system

failure that occur after entry into RVSM airspace
and weather encounters. It also describes the
expected ATC controller actions in these situations. It
is recognized that the pilot and controller will use
judgment to determine the action most appropriate to
any given situation.

TBL 4-6-2

Contingency Actions: Weather Encounters and Aircraft System Failures that Occur After Entry into RVSM
Airspace

Initial Pilot Actions in Contingency Situations
Initial pilot actions when unable to maintain flight level (FL) or unsure of aircraft altitude-keeping
capability:
Notify ATC and request assistance as detailed below.
Maintain cleared flight level, to the extent possible, while evaluating the situation.
Watch for conflicting traffic both visually and by reference to TCAS, if equipped.
Alert nearby aircraft by illuminating exterior lights (commensurate with aircraft limitations).
Severe Turbulence and/or Mountain Wave Activity (MWA) Induced
Altitude Deviations of Approximately 200 feet
Pilot will:
Controller will:
When experiencing severe turbulence and/or
Vector aircraft to avoid merging target with
MWA induced altitude deviations of
traffic at adjacent flight levels, traffic permitting
approximately 200 feet or greater, pilot will
contact ATC and state "Unable RVSM Due (state
Advise pilot of conflicting traffic
reason)" (e.g., turbulence, mountain wave)
Issue FL change or re-route, traffic permitting
If not issued by the controller, request vector
clear of traffic at adjacent FLs
Issue PIREP to other aircraft
If desired, request FL change or re-route
Report location and magnitude of turbulence or
MWA to ATC
See Paragraph 4-6-6, Guidance on Severe
Turbulence and Mountain Wave Activity (MWA) for
detailed guidance.

Paragraph 4-6-6 explains "traffic permitting."

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

4-6-7