4-6-11. Non-RVSM Aircraft Requesting
Climb to and Descent from Flight Levels
Above RVSM Airspace Without
Intermediate Level Off
a. File-and-Fly. Operators of Non-RVSM aircraft climbing to and descending from RVSM flight
levels should just file a flight plan.
b. Non-RVSM aircraft climbing to and descending from flight levels above RVSM airspace will be
handled on a workload permitting basis. The vertical
separation standard applied in RVSM airspace
between non-RVSM aircraft and all other aircraft
must be 2,000 feet.

4-6-10

c. Non-RVSM aircraft climbing to/descending
from RVSM airspace can only be considered for
accommodation provided:
1. Aircraft is capable of a continuous climb/descent and does not need to level off at an intermediate
altitude for any operational considerations and
2. Aircraft is capable of climb/descent at the
normal rate for the aircraft.
d. Required Pilot Calls. The pilot of non-RVSM
aircraft will inform the controller of the lack of
RVSM approval in accordance with the direction
provided in Paragraph 4-6-8, Pilot/Controller
Phraseology.

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