The scheduled implementation of RVSM in the Western Atlantic Route System (WATRS area) is set for 1 Nov. 2001.  The safety assessment should be completed this summer so the final go/no go decision can be made.  In conjunction with the implementation of RVSM, a weather deviation procedure the same as that approved for use in the Pacific Region will be established.   This procedure will also be applicable to the entire NAT Region. 

Aircraft that are not approved for operation in RVSM airspace will not be able to operate in the WATRS area between FL310 and FL390.

      RVSM will be implemented in the whole of the NAT Region between FL310 and FL390 from 1 Nov. 2001.    

Effective Nov 1, 2001 aircraft operating in the BODO Oceanic FIR and all of the Santa Maria FIR will require RVSM approval when operating between FL310 and FL390.  With this implementation MNPS airspace will become a subset of RVSM airspace. 

Flight Departments associated with IBAC Members can access the WATRS aircraft / operator approval procedure at the following IBAC Website address:

http://www.ibac.org/Library/ElectF/atm/watrs_rvsm_approval.htm

To see the complete Technical Report of the IBAC Representative at the North Atlantic IMG meeting see:

http://www.ibac.org/Library/ElectF/atm/nat_img_18.htm