HANKE-Aviation GmbH - Flight Crew Training

COMMUNICATIONS

CHAPTER 6

RTF PHRASEOLOGY

A good knowledge and understanding of standard ATC phraseology used in each area of operations, as well as the cross checking of crew members to ensure that ATC clearances are promptly and correctly complied with, is mandatory.

Controller / Pilot RTF phraseology

Phrase

Meaning

(call sign) CONFIRM RVSM APPROVED

For a controller to ascertain the RVSM approval status of an aircraft.

NEGATIVE RVSM*

For a pilot to report non-RVSM approval status:

  • on the initial call on any frequency within the EUR RVSM airspace (controllers shall provide a read back with this same phrase); and
  • in all requests for flight level changes pertaining to flight levels within the EUR RVSM airspace; and
  • in all read backs to flight level clearances pertaining to flight levels within EUR RVSM airspace.

Additionally, except for State aircraft, pilots shall include this RTF phrase to read back flight level clearances involving the vertical transit through FL 290 or FL 410.

AFFIRM RVSM*

For a pilot to report RVSM approval status.

NEGATIVE RVSM STATE AIRCRAFT*

For a pilot of a non-RVSM approved State aircraft to report non-RVSM approval status, in response to the RTF phrase (call sign) CONFIRM RVSM APPROVED.

(call sign) UNABLE CLEARANCE INTO RVSM AIRSPACE, MAINTAIN (or DESCEND TO, or CLIMB TO) FLIGHT LEVEL (number)

Denial of of air traffic control clearance into the EUR RVSM airspace.

UNABLE RVSM DUE TURBULENCE*

For a pilot to report when severe turbulence affects the aircraft's capability to maintain the height-keeping requirements for RVSM.

UNABLE RVSM DUE EQUIPMENT*

For a pilot to report that the aircraft's equipment has degraded below the MASPS required for flight within the EUR RVSM airspace.

This phrase is to be used to convey both the initial indication of the non-MASPS compliance, and henceforth, on initial contact on all frequencies within the lateral limits of the EUR RVSM airspace until such time as the problem ceases to exist, or the aircraft has exited RVSM airspace.

READY TO RESUME RVSM*

For a pilot to report the ability to resume operation within the EUR RVSM airspace after an equipment or weather-related contingency.

REPORT ABLE TO RESUME RVSM

For a controller to confirm that an aircraft has regained its RVSM approval status, or to confirm that the pilot is ready to resume RVSM operations.

(*indicates a pilot transmission)

(c) M.Hanke 2014