Index   270 -- Page 271 -- 272

11/10/16
12/10/15                                                                                                             AIM



4-6-9. Contingency Actions: Weather                                failure that occur after entry into RVSM airspace
Encounters and Aircraft System Failures                            and weather encounters. It also describes the
that Occur After Entry into RVSM Airspace                          expected ATC controller actions in these situations. It
                                                                   is recognized that the pilot and controller will use
TBL 4-6-2 provides pilot guidance on actions to                    judgment to determine the action most appropriate to
take under certain conditions of aircraft system                   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:
         SNotify ATC and request assistance as detailed below.

           SMaintain cleared flight level, to the extent possible, while evaluating the situation.

           SWatch for conflicting traffic both visually and by reference to TCAS, if equipped.

           SAlert 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:
         SWhen experiencing severe turbulence and/or        SVector 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      SAdvise pilot of conflicting traffic
         reason)" (e.g., turbulence, mountain wave)
                                                            SIssue FL change or re-route, traffic permitting
         SIf not issued by the controller, request vector
         clear of traffic at adjacent FLs                   SIssue PIREP to other aircraft

           SIf desired, request FL change or re-route

         SReport location and magnitude of turbulence or
         MWA to ATC
     See Paragraph 4-6-6, Guidance on Severe                     Paragraph 4-6-6 explains "traffic permitting."
     Turbulence and Mountain Wave Activity (MWA) for
     detailed guidance.




Operational Policy/Procedures for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) in the                                 4-6-7
Domestic U.S., Alaska, Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR