CHAPTER 5

GENERAL

Prior to RVSM airspace entry the required equipment for RVSM must be operating normally. Should any of this equipment fail prior entering the RVSM airspace, the crew must request new clearance to avoid flight in this airspace. The two primary altitude indications should be in accordance with the instrument tolerance.

PRIOR TO ENTRY OF RVSM AIRSPACE

Ensure that the aeroplane has an ATC clearance to enter RVSM airspace, then confirm that aeroplane serviceability still allows flight to be made in such airspace. Carry out an altimeter cross check shortly before entering or after leveling-off and record on the pilot log or flight plan that no errors are apparent: at least two primary altimeters must agree within the tolerances specified for the aeroplane. If TCAS is installed, leave the mode selector in the 'normal' position. Ensure that the altitude-alerting system is operative. Review actions that should be taken in the event that compliance with ATC clearances cannot be maintained.

Aircraft Systems Checks

• 2  ADC and 2 main altitude indications
• 1 ATC transponder
• 1 AP
• Altitude preselect function
• Altitude alert function
• At least two main altimeter indications on STD setting must be within 200ft.

WITHIN RVSM AIRSPACE

When approaching the first cleared flight level, and/or when changing flight level in RVSM airspace, aim to keep vertical speed within 500 to 1000 ft per mm: do not exceed 1500 ft per mm, and ensure that the aeroplane neither undershoots nor overshoots the cleared flight level by more than 150 ft, manually overriding if necessary (manually disconnect the Autopilot!!) . One automatic altitude-control system should be operative and engaged throughout the cruise. Exceptions to the requirement for the altitude-control system to remain engaged are when it may be necessary to re-trim the aeroplane, or when the aeroplane encounters turbulence and operating procedures necessitate disengaging or modifying this mode. Any disengagement should be kept to as short a period as is necessary. At time intervals not exceeding 60 minutes, or when required by aeroplane operating drills, carry out altimetry system cross checks, If these are outside the tolerances specified for the aeroplane, carry out appropriate drills which may include having to alert ATC that RVSM flight cannot be maintained. Any deviations from the assigned flight level greater than 300 ft (90 m) must be reported to ATC and thence to the Authority via the Mandatory Occurrence Reporting Scheme.

Aircraft Systems Checks

• The autopilot should be engaged within RVSM airspace for cruise and level changes.
• When making a level change monitor AP guidance not to overshoot the assigned FL by more than 150ft.
• At intervals of approximately one hour, check that PFD altimeter indications are within the instrument tolerance . At least two main indications should be within 200ft.The usual scan of flight deck instruments should be sufficient.

TRANSITION PROCEDURES

Transition from RVSM to Non-RVSM Airspace

For aircraft to be transferred from RVSM airspace to non-RVSM airspace, the last area control center providing air traffic control service to such aircraft shall establish a minimum of 2000 ft vertical separation before the aircraft passes the transfer of control point to the adjacent area control center established at a flight level in accordance with the ICAO Table of cruising levels (as published in ICAO Annex 2, Appendix 3, table b), and/or in accordance with the FLAS, if applicable, and/or as specified in the inter-center Letter of Agreement.

Transition from Non-RVSM to RVSM Airspace

For aircraft transferred from non-RVSM airspace to RVSM airspace, the first area control center providing air traffic control service to such aircraft shall ensure that RVSM approved aircraft and non-RVSM approved State aircraft are cleared so as to be established at a flight level in accordance with the ICAO Table of cruising levels, and/or in accordance with the FLAS, if applicable and/or as specified in the inter-center Letter of Agreement, before the aircraft passes the transfer of control point to the adjacent ACC.

Landing at an Aerodrome within the lateral limits of the RVSM Airspace

For aircraft landing at an aerodrome within the lateral limits of the RVSM airspace, the first area control center providing air traffic control to aircraft transferred to RVSM airspace from non-RVSM airspace shall ensure that non-RVSM approved aircraft, except State aircraft, are cleared so as to be established at a flight level below FL 290 in accordance with the FLAS, if applicable and/or as specified in the inter-center Letter of Agreement, before the aircraft passes the transfer of control point to the adjacent ACC.

Landing at an Aerodrome outside and transiting the lateral limits of the RVSM Airspace

For aircraft landing at an aerodrome outside and transiting the lateral limits of the RVSM airspace, the first area control center providing air traffic control to aircraft transferred to RVSM airspace from non-RVSM airspace shall ensure that non-RVSM approved aircraft, except State aircraft, are cleared so as to be established at a flight level below FL 290 or above FL 410 before the aircraft passes the transfer of control point to the adjacent area control center in accordance with the FLAS, if applicable and/or as specified in the inter-center Letter of Agreement.