Subject: Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum

Approved: May 6,1999

I. Need for Policy

Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) was implemented between FlightLevels 330 and 370, inclusive, in the North Atlantic (NAT) on March 27, 1997. Subsequently, on October 8,1998 NAT RVSM airspace was expanded from FL310 to FL 390 inclusive.

Eurocontrol has stated its policy to implement RVSM in European airspace commencing 24 January 2002. Indications are that some 15 or so ‘core’ States may commence partial RVSM implementation as early March 2001.

RVSM is planned for implementation in parts of the Pacific Region 24 February 2000.

It is also being considered for implementation in the South Atlantic around 2004.

Consideration is also being given to RVSM in other Regions.

This change reduced the vertical separation above flight level 290 from the historic 2000 feet to 1000 feet. In order to support this reduction in separation minimum, new altimetry system performance and certification standards became mandatory. These new system performance and certification standards have been difficult and costly for business aircraft manufacturers to meet in a timely manner.

II. Policy

Business aircraft operators are generally not opposed to new system performance requirements that provide commensurate improvements in operational capability or safety. However, new requirements, such as RVSM, must be implemented with sufficient lead time to enable aircraft and equipment manufacturers, certification authorities and aircraft operators to retrofit and certificate aircraft.

III. Position

A. Expansion of RVSM into the higher flight levels in the NAT airspace should have been delayed until RVSM is implemented in European airspace. Sufficient capacity expansion has occurred with Phase 1 implementation to ease the demand for further expansion. Moreover, the business aviation community needs additional time to certificate aircraft.

B. Some airspace (or routes) must be preserved for RVSM non-compliant aircraft for many years into the future. For some aircraft makes and models, RVSM certification exceeds the present value of the airframe. Operators of these aircraft need to be given additional opportunity to expend the useful life of the aircraft.

C. When traffic demands make the expansion of RVSM inevitable, IBAC supports expanding RVSM below FL 330 before expansion above FL 370. This is due, in large measure, to the sizable fleet of business jets able to operate at higher, less utilized flight levels.

D. Business aircraft operating at lower altitudes experience range limitations thus necessitating additional landings for fuel, thereby increasing overall risk exposure.

E. Plans for the implementation or expansion of RVSM must provide lead times sufficient for aircraft and equipment manufacturers and aircraft operators to retrofit and certificate aircraft. The lead times must also take into consideration the ability of the various Regulatory Authorities to develop the necessary programs for certification and approval.

Source of Policy: (1) Original, Governing Board, Montreal, 6 May,1999.