Regulation Text
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate a civil aircraft of U.S. registry in airspace designated as Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace unless:
(1) The operator and the operator's aircraft comply with the requirements of appendix G of this part; and
(2) The operator is authorized by the Administrator to conduct such operations.
(b) The Administrator may authorize a deviation from the requirements of this section in accordance with Section 5 of appendix G to this part.
[Docket 28870, 62 FR 17487, Apr. 9, 1997]
The short answer
(14 CFR § 91.706) bars operating a civil aircraft of U.S. registry in airspace designated as Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace unless the operator and aircraft comply with appendix G of Part 91 and the operator is authorized by the Administrator. Deviations are allowed only under Section 5 of appendix G.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What does a U.S.-registry operator need to fly in RVSM airspace?
The operator and aircraft must comply with appendix G of Part 91, and the operator must be authorized by the Administrator to conduct such operations.
“no person may operate a civil aircraft of U.S. registry in airspace designated as Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace unless: (1) The operator and the operator's aircraft comply with the requirements of appendix G of this part; and (2) The operator is authorized by the Administrator to conduct such operations.” — 14 CFR § 91.706(a)
Can the FAA waive the RVSM requirements?
Yes. The Administrator may authorize a deviation from the section's requirements in accordance with Section 5 of appendix G to Part 91.
“The Administrator may authorize a deviation from the requirements of this section in accordance with Section 5 of appendix G to this part.” — 14 CFR § 91.706(b)
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