AIM Text
- Applicability. The policies, guidance and direction in this section apply to RVSM operations in the airspace over the lower 48 states, Alaska, Atlantic and Gulf of America High Offshore Airspace and airspace in the San Juan FIR where VHF or UHF voice direct controller-pilot communication (DCPC) is normally available. Policies, guidance and direction for RVSM operations in oceanic airspace where VHF or UHF voice DCPC is not available and the airspace of other countries can be found in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), Part II- En Route, ENR 1. General Rules and Procedures, and ENR 7.Oceanic Operations.
- Requirement. The FAA implemented RVSM between flight level (FL) 290-410 (inclusive) in the following airspace: the airspace of the lower 48 states of the United States, Alaska, Atlantic and Gulf of America High Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR. RVSM has been implemented worldwide and may be applied in all ICAO Flight Information Regions (FIR).
- RVSM Authorization. In accordance with 14 CFR section 91.180, with only limited exceptions, prior to operating in RVSM airspace, operators must comply with the standards of part 91, Appendix G, and be authorized by the Administrator. If either the operator or the operator's aircraft have not met the applicable RVSM standards, the aircraft will be referred to as a “non-RVSM” aircraft. Paragraph 4-6-10 discusses ATC policies for accommodation of non-RVSM aircraft flown by the Department of Defense, Air Ambulance (MEDEVAC) operators, foreign State governments and aircraft flown for certification and development. Paragraph 4-6-11, Non-RVSM Aircraft Requesting Climb to and Descent from Flight Levels Above RVSM Airspace Without Intermediate Level Off, contains policies for non-RVSM aircraft climbing and descending through RVSM airspace to/from flight levels above RVSM airspace.
- Benefits. RVSM enhances ATC flexibility, mitigates conflict points, enhances sector throughput, reduces controller workload and enables crossing traffic. Operators gain fuel savings and operating efficiency benefits by flying at more fuel efficient flight levels and on more user preferred routings.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 4-6-1.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance on where Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) applies and the mandate to be authorized. RVSM is implemented between FL 290-410 inclusive over the lower 48 states, Alaska, Atlantic and Gulf High Offshore Airspace, and the San Juan FIR. It supports 14 CFR 91.180, which requires part 91 Appendix G compliance and Administrator authorization.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What altitudes and areas does RVSM apply to?
The AIM states the FAA implemented RVSM between flight level (FL) 290 and 410 inclusive in the airspace of the lower 48 states, Alaska, Atlantic and Gulf of America High Offshore Airspace, and the San Juan FIR. RVSM has been implemented worldwide and may be applied in all ICAO Flight Information Regions (FIRs).
What makes an aircraft a non-RVSM aircraft?
Per the AIM, under 14 CFR 91.180, with only limited exceptions, operators must comply with the standards of part 91, Appendix G, and be authorized by the Administrator before operating in RVSM airspace. If either the operator or the aircraft has not met the applicable RVSM standards, the aircraft is referred to as a non-RVSM aircraft.
What are the benefits of RVSM?
The AIM lists that RVSM enhances ATC flexibility, mitigates conflict points, enhances sector throughput, reduces controller workload, and enables crossing traffic. Operators gain fuel savings and operating efficiency by flying more fuel-efficient flight levels and more user-preferred routings.