#### ORDER: 8400.10

APPENDIX: 3

BULLETIN TYPE: Flight Standards Handbook Bulletin for Air Transportation
(HBAT)

BULLETIN NUMBER: HBAT 03-06

BULLETIN TITLE: Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) Airspace

EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/08/03

TRACKING NUMBER: N/A

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--

1\. PURPOSE. This document provides for the coordination of the guidance
for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace and will be
incorporated into Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 8400.10,
Air Transportation Inspector's Handbook.

2\. BACKGROUND. RVSM airspace is any airspace or route where aircraft
are separated by 1,000 feet vertically between flight level (FL) 290 and
FL 410, inclusive. Generally, aircraft and operators that have not been
authorized to conduct RVSM operations cannot operate at FLs where RVSM
is applied. Exceptions to this rule are published by individual Air
Traffic Service Providers. Air Traffic Service Providers have elected to
implement RVSM as a means to provide more fuel/time-efficient altitudes
and routes to operators, and to enhance en route airspace capacity. The
attachment provides guidance for inspectors regarding RVSM
authorization.

3\. CANCELLATION. This bulletin cancels HBAT 99-11A, Approval of
Aircraft and Operators for Flight in Airspace Above Flight Level (FL)
290 Where a 1,000 Foot Vertical Separation is Applied, dated September
21, 1999.

4\. INQUIRIES. The Flight Technologies and Procedures Division, AFS-400,
developed this HBAT. Questions or comments about this bulletin can be
directed to Robert Swain, AFS-430, at

202-385-4576, or to AFS-200, at 202-267-8166.

5\. LOCATION. The attachment will be incorporated in FAA Order 8400.10,
volume 4, chapter 1, section 5.

/s/ Matthew Schack

Manager, Air Transportation Division

Attachment

**ATTACHMENT**

**To be incorporated into Order 8400.10, Volume 4, Chapter 1, Section
5**

**220. REDUCED VERTICAL SEPARATION MINIMUM (RVSM) AIRSPACE.** RVSM
airspace is any airspace or route where aircraft are separated by 1,000
feet vertically between flight level (FL) 290 and FL 410, inclusive.
Generally, aircraft and operators that have not been authorized to
conduct RVSM operations cannot operate at FLs where RVSM is applied.
Exceptions to this rule are published by individual Air Traffic Service
Providers. Air Traffic Service Providers have elected to implement RVSM
as a means to provide more fuel/time efficient altitudes and routes to
operators and to enhance en route airspace capacity.

A. RVSM Areas of Operation. The following table shows some examples of
major areas where RVSM has been, or is planned to be, implemented.

+----------------------------+----------------------+------------------+
| **Area of Operations**     | **Implementation     | **Flight         |
|                            | Dates**              | Levels**         |
+----------------------------+----------------------+------------------+
| North Atlantic MNPS        | March 1997           | FL 330-370       |
| Airspace                   |                      |                  |
|                            | October 1998         | FL 310-390       |
|                            |                      |                  |
|                            | January 2002         | FL 290-410       |
+----------------------------+----------------------+------------------+
| Pacific Oceanic Airspace   | February 2000        | FL 290-390       |
+----------------------------+----------------------+------------------+
| Australia                  | November 2001        | FL 290-410       |
+----------------------------+----------------------+------------------+
| West Atlantic Route System | January 2002         | FL 290-410       |
+----------------------------+----------------------+------------------+
| All European Airspace      | January 2002         | FL 290-410       |
+----------------------------+----------------------+------------------+
| Western Pacific/South      | February 2002        | As published in  |
| China Sea                  |                      | ATS Documents    |
+----------------------------+----------------------+------------------+
| Northern Canada            | April 2002           | FL 290-410       |
+----------------------------+----------------------+------------------+
| Middle East and Asia South | Planned for November | As published in  |
| of the Himalayas           | 2003                 | ATS Documents    |
+----------------------------+----------------------+------------------+
| Domestic United States,    | Planned for          | FL 290-410       |
| Southern Canadian Domestic |                      |                  |
| Airspace, Caribbean and    | January 20, 2005     |                  |
| South America              |                      |                  |
+----------------------------+----------------------+------------------+

B. RVSM Guidance. Using the guidance provided in Interim Guidance (IG)
91-RVSM, Approval of Aircraft and Operators for Flight in Airspace Above
Flight Level (FL) 290 Where a 1,000 Foot Vertical Separation Minimum is
Applied (as amended), inspectors shall ensure that operators and
aircraft meet the standards of Title 14 of the Code of Federal
Regulations

(14 CFR) part 91, appendix G, Operations in RVSM Airspace.

C. Sources of Information. Sources of information on RVSM programs are:

\(1\) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) RVSM Homepage. The RVSM
homepage provides information on RVSM programs in various areas of the
world. It provides a link to the Domestic RVSM Web page where
information is posted on plans and programs to implement RVSM in the
domestic United States. It also links to the RVSM Documentation page
that provides specific information on aircraft and operator approval for
RVSM operations. The RVSM homepage can be accessed at:
[www.faa.gov/ats/ato/rvsm1.htm]{.underline}.

\(2\) RVSM Documentation Web page. The RVSM Documentation Web page
provides access to regulations, guidance, documents and contacts. This
Web page is maintained by the Flight Technologies and Procedures
Division, AFS-400. It can be accessed at:

> \(a\)
> [www.faa.gov/ats/ato/rvsm1.htm](http://www.faa.gov/ats/ato/rvsm1.htm),
> then clicking on "RVSM Documentation."
>
> \(b\) In the Operations Specifications Subsystem (OPSS) in association
> with operations specifications (OpSpec) B046, Operations in RVSM
> Airspace.

\(3\) Regulations. Title 14 CFR part 91, section 91.706 applies to RVSM
operations outside the United States. Part 91, section 91.180, when
published, will apply to RVSM operations within the U.S. Both sections
require that the operator and the operator's aircraft comply with the
standards of part 91, appendix G and that the operator obtain FAA
authorization to conduct RVSM operations. Part 91, appendix G provides
basic RVSM standards for aircraft and operator programs. The RVSM
Documentation Web page provides a link to section 91.706 and appendix G.
It will be linked to section 91.180 when it is published.

\(4\) Guidance. FAA IG 91-RVSM, as amended, can be found on the RVSM
Documentation Web page. IG 91-RVSM provides an acceptable means to
authorize operators and aircraft to conduct flight in RVSM airspace. It
provides detailed guidance for aircraft manufacturers, other engineering
organizations, and operators to follow when developing programs intended
to meet the standards of part 91, appendix G.

\(a\) If an operator requests to deviate from the practices and
procedures provided in

IG 91-RVSM, the inspector should forward a request for assistance
through the Regional Flight Standards Division to AFS-400. AFS-400 will
respond after coordination with AFS-200, AFS-300, or AFS-800, as
appropriate.

\(b\) IG 91-RVSM was developed in national and international forums and
is used by civil aviation authorities throughout the world.
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Document 9574, Edition
2 (Manual on Implementation of a 1,000 ft Vertical Separation Minimum
Between FL 290 and FL 410 Inclusive) cites IG 91-RVSM as an acceptable
means for RVSM approval.

D. Overview of the Authorization Process. The principal operations
inspector (POI), principal avionics inspector (PAI), and principal
maintenance inspector (PMI) should coordinate the issue of OpSpecs B046
and D092 to grant the operator authority to conduct RVSM operations for
a specific aircraft type or group. The FAA will issue the OpSpecs
paragraphs if the following conditions exist:

\(1\) The FAA determines that operator aircraft comply with RVSM
standards. For in-service aircraft, the FAA determines that inspections
and/or aircraft system modifications are completed as required by the
applicable Service Bulletin (SB), Service Letter, Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) or other Aircraft Certification Office approved
document. For aircraft manufactured RVSM compliant, the FAA determines
that the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) or Type Certificate Data Sheet
(TCDS) contain a statement of RVSM eligibility.

\(2\) The FAA approves the operator's RVSM maintenance program.

\(3\) The FAA approves the operator's RVSM operations program.

\(4\) The FAA accepts the operator's plan to participate in monitoring
programs.

\(5\) If required by the POI in coordination with the PAI and PMI, the
operator successfully completes a validation flight.

E. RVSM Authorization Process and Policy.

\(1\) Coordination Between Inspectors. Before issuing RVSM
authorizations B046 and D092, inspectors must coordinate with the
responsible operations, maintenance and avionics inspectors.

\(2\) Authorization Process Events. Paragraph 11 of IG 91-RVSM is titled
"Operational Approval." It provides guidance on the major events in the
RVSM authorization process. Also, the "Getting Started" section of the
RVSM Documentation Web page contains an outline or checklist of the
events or steps in the authorization process. It includes references to
applicable document paragraphs and sections.

\(3\) OpSpecs Actions. IG 91-RVSM, paragraph 11g(1) provides the
following policy for part 121, 125, and 135 operators: FAA will
authorize initial operational approval for RVSM operations by issuing
OpSpecs B046 and D092. (Specific make/model/series and individual
registration numbers are listed in D092). Areas of RVSM operation that
are new to the operator will be authorized by adding OpSpec B046 to the
OpSpecs Part B (En route) paragraph B050: "Authorized Areas of En Route
Operation. Limitations and Provisions." (If you have any questions
regarding these OpSpec paragraphs, please contact AFS-260 at
202-267-8166).

\(4\) Relationship between RVSM Authorization and Horizontal Navigation
Authorizations. Currently, in designated oceanic airspaces, operators
are required to obtain both RVSM authorization and certain horizontal
navigation authorizations. These are separate, specific authorization
actions. For example, to operate in North Atlantic Minimum Navigation
Performance Specification (NAT MNPS) airspace, operators are required to
obtain both RVSM and NAT MNPS authority. In Pacific oceanic airspace,
operators are required to obtain both RVSM and Required Navigation
Performance 10 (RNP-10) authorization.

\(5\) Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). Information
on TCAS as it relates to RVSM operations can be found on the RVSM
Documentation Web page. Part 91 appendix G does NOT require that
aircraft be equipped with TCAS for RVSM operations. Appendix G, section
2 does require, however, that if an aircraft is equipped with TCAS II
[and]{.underline} is used in RVSM operations, then it must be a TCAS II
that meets Technical Standard Order (TSO)

C-119b (Version 7.0) or a later version. TCAS equipage requirements can
be found in parts 121, 125, 129, and 135 .

\(6\) Determining Aircraft RVSM Compliance. The phrases, "determining
aircraft RVSM compliance," and "initial RVSM airworthiness approval,"
both appear in RVSM documents to indicate that the FAA has determined
that the operator's aircraft comply with appendix G, RVSM standards.

\(a\) Inspector Guidance. The Airworthiness Inspector's Handbook (FAA
Order 8300.10), volume 2, and IG 91-RVSM, paragraph 11d provide guidance
on inspector determination that aircraft are RVSM compliant. IG 91-RVSM
Paragraph 11d(1) and (2) discuss the documents that the operator must
submit to the FAA to show that in-service aircraft or aircraft
manufactured RVSM-compliant are in compliance with the RVSM requirements
of part 91, appendix G.

\(b\) For most in-service aircraft, the RVSM airworthiness documents
take the form of SBs, Service Letters or STCs. These documents contain
requirements that are specific to individual aircraft types or groups
and generally require inspections and/or hardware or software
modifications. The operator must submit documents to the FAA to show
that the required actions have been completed for each airframe that
will operate in RVSM airspace.

\(c\) For aircraft manufactured RVSM-compliant, the AFM or TCDS must
contain statements that show the aircraft to be eligible for RVSM
operations.

\(7\) Program Tracking and Reporting Subsystem (PTRS) Codes. When the
inspector determines that individual operator airframes are RVSM
compliant, the PTRS must be updated and the airframes listed in OpSpecs
D092 or a Letter of Authorization (LOA), as appropriate. See paragraph G
below for PTRS action.

\(8\) RVSM Maintenance Program Approval. FAA Order 8300.10, volume 2
contains airworthiness inspector guidance for the evaluation and
approval of an operator's RVSM maintenance program. Also, IG 91-RVSM
paragraph 10 contains guidance on the content of maintenance programs.

\(9\) Operations Program Approval. Evaluation of operations programs
should be completed in conjunction with the evaluation of maintenance
programs. IG 91-RVSM, paragraph 11d(3)(4) provides specific guidance on
the process and policies to be followed for operations program approval.

\(a\) Special Emphasis Items for Pilots. IG 91-RVSM, appendix 4 provides
operating practices and procedures applicable to all RVSM operations.
Appendix 4, paragraph 7 lists special emphasis items for pilot training.

\(b\) Specific Procedures for Oceanic Airspace. Appendix 5 provides
specific practices and procedures for RVSM operations in oceanic
airspace.

\(c\) Domestic U.S. RVSM Operational Policy/Procedures. Until
operational policy and procedures for RVSM in the domestic United States
are published, operators can use IG 91-RVSM, appendix 4 as the basis for
their RVSM operations training and operating practices/procedures.
Operational procedures such as those for en route failure of RVSM
systems in domestic U.S. airspace are planned to be published in the 4/Q
2003. Guidance will be published in the Aeronautical Information Manual
and, in addition, AFS-400 will publish and distribute a Sample Pilot
Bulletin that can be incorporated into individual operator programs.
Operators will be responsible for incorporating this material into their
programs prior to conducting RVSM operations in the United States. The
FAA anticipates that operational procedures unique to domestic U.S.
airspace will not be extensive.

\(10\) Validation Tests and Flights.

\(a\) IG 91-RVSM, paragraph 11f provides guidance on the RVSM validation
test. In most cases, review of the operator's RVSM application and
program documents will suffice for validation test purposes. However, as
determined by the POIs, PMIs, and PAIs, the final step of the approval
process may be the completion of a validation flight. The FAA may
accompany the operator on a flight to verify that RVSM operations and
maintenance procedures and practices are used effectively. The
validation flight may be accomplished during a revenue flight, as
determined by the principal inspectors on a case-by-case basis.

\(b\) Validation flights are NOT required to be conducted in conjunction
with the monitoring flights described below. Also, the validation flight
may be conducted before monitoring requirements are completed.

# F. Monitoring Programs

\(1\) Objective of Monitoring. The primary goal of monitoring is to
provide a quality control check on the altitude-keeping performance of
the wide variety of operators and aircraft. It has been determined that
this may be accomplished by sampling a number of airframes of each
aircraft type that an operator will operate in RVSM airspace.
Altitude-keeping performance data is analyzed to determine that the
aircraft fleet, as well as individual operators, exhibits performance
that is consistent with RVSM standards.

\(2\) Operator Plan and Monitoring Requirements. In its application for
RVSM authority,

IG 91-RVSM paragraph 11d(8) calls for each operator to submit a plan to
participate in monitoring programs. It further notes that the current
monitoring requirements for individual operators in specific RVSM areas
of operation are published on the FAA RVSM Documentation Web site.

> NOTE: Operators are no longer required to complete monitoring prior to
> being granted operational approval.

\(3\) Monitoring Procedures. Monitoring procedures for ground-based and
Global Positioning System (GPS)-based monitoring systems are published
on the RVSM Documentation Web page. Operator aircraft of a specific type
or group are monitored after they have been determined to be RVSM
compliant. Currently, the operator can have its aircraft monitored by
either the ground-based Height Monitoring Unit (HMU) or a portable
GPS-based Monitoring Unit (GMU) that can be placed on the aircraft. In
the October 2003 timeframe, operators may have the option of over flying
the FAA ground-based monitoring system called the Aircraft Geometric
Height Measurement Element (AGHME).

\(4\) Flight Standards district office (FSDO) or certificate management
office (CMO) Notification. When an operator has successfully completed
monitoring requirements for the specific aircraft type or group, the FAA
Technical Center Separation Standards Group

(ACB-310) will notify the POI and/or PAI.

G. PTRS.

\(1\) RVSM Approvals Database. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE PTRS BE UPDATED
IN A TIMELY MANNER. The FAA Technical Center (ACB-310) is retrieving
PTRS information and compiling it into a database of RVSM aircraft and
operator approvals. It is also forwarding the information to the
international bodies tasked with tracking RVSM aircraft/operator
approval. The approval information can also be faxed or e-mailed to
ACB-310. (See Appendix 2).

> NOTE: This information is being used to find and investigate aircraft
> that fly at RVSM FLs but are not RVSM-approved. The database of RVSM
> approvals is not, however, used in real time to grant or deny
> clearance into RVSM airspace.

\(2\) Separate PTRS entries must be made, as follows:

\(a\) In-service Aircraft. See IG 91-RVSM, paragraph 11d(1). When the
operator provides documentation that RVSM work is completed on
individual airframes in accordance with appropriate airworthiness
documents (e.g., SBs, STCs), the PTRS must be updated.

\(b\) Aircraft Manufactured RVSM-compliant. A PTRS entry is also
required for "Initial Airworthiness Approval" of aircraft that are RVSM
compliant on delivery. Since no specific work is required to be
accomplished on such aircraft, the same date that is listed for the
operations activity code when the OpSpecs or LOA is approved may be used
for the airworthiness and avionics activity code.

\(c\) OpSpecs or LOA Approval. When OpSpecs or LOA authority is issued
for each specific aircraft type or group, the PTRS must be updated.

\(d\) Other Actions. When "Other" actions, as described below are taken,
the PTRS must be updated.

\(3\) The FSDO or CMO will update the system, at a minimum, with the
specific items listed below:

  -------------------------- ---------------------- ----------- -----------
                             INITIAL AIRWORTHINESS  LOA OR      OTHER\*
                             APPROVAL#              OPSPECS     
                                                    GRANTED     

  Operations Activity Code   None                   1411        1413

  Airworthiness Activity     3411                   none        3413
  Code                                                          

  Avionics Activity Code     5411                   None        5413
  -------------------------- ---------------------- ----------- -----------

\# For in-service aircraft, approval means required SB, STC, or Aircraft
Service Change work was accomplished. For aircraft manufactured
RVSM-compliant, AFM or other appropriate documents found to show RVSM
compliance.

\* Other may include actions such as: N-number change; withdrawing RVSM
approval due to transfer of airframe to a different operator; biennial
LOA renewal for part 91 operators; investigation of oceanic navigation
error report, etc.

\(4\) Specific PTRS Entries are as follows:

\(a\) Section I---Transmittal.

> CFR: 91, 121, 125, or 135
>
> STATUS: Closed
>
> RESULTS: Completed or Assisted
>
> CLOSED DATE: Date of Initial Airworthiness Approval or date OpSpecs
> were issued.
>
> DESIGNATOR: 4-letter code for part 121, 125, and 135 operators;
> Optional for part 91 operators
>
> NON-CERT. ACTIVITY NAME/COMPANY: Prohibited for part 121, 125, and 135
> operators; required for part 91 operators
>
> TRACKING: Used for all operators, the date RVSM approval was withdrawn
>
> MISCELLANEOUS: Manufacturer's aircraft serial number

\(b\) Section IV---Comments.

  ------------------------ --------------- ---------- --------------------
  PART 121, 125, and 135   PRIMARY AREA    KEY WORD   OPINION CODE
  OPERATORS                                           

  Initial Airframe         A or F          643        I
  Acceptance                                          

  Full RVSM Approval       A or F          643        I

  Other                    A or F          699        I

                                                      

  PART 91 OPERATORS                                   

  Initial Airframe         B or G          643        I
  Acceptance                                          

  Full RVSM Approval       B or G          643        I

  Other                    B or G          699        I
  ------------------------ --------------- ---------- --------------------

\(c\) Additional Section IV Comments.

i\. For part 91 operators: Date LOA expires.

ii\. For all operators: Amplifying remarks why RVSM approval was
withdrawn.

iii\. For all operators: If available, Aircraft Mode-S Address Code.

H. Inquiries. Each Regional AFS Division has appointed RVSM Focal
Points. Each Field Office has appointed two RVSM Points of Contact. A
list of the focal points is published on the FAA RVSM Documentation Web
page. For general questions on RVSM, the appropriate Field Office Point
of Contact should be contacted first. Questions on this handbook
material and specific questions on RVSM policy should be directed to
(202) 385-4576 at the Flight Technologies and Procedures Division,
AFS-400.