RVSM reduces the vertical separation of aircraft to 1,000 feet when flying at altitudes from FL290 (29,000 feet) to FL410 (41,000 feet). There’s a lot of benefit to operating in this airspace as it significantly increases (in theory, it nearly doubles) the number of airplanes that can fly in a defined area of airspace. Plus, it allows pilots to pick more efficient altitudes, avoid turbulence and save fuel.

Your GoRVSM team will help you navigate the procedures for obtaining authorization for operation the specific airspace to meet your needs and ensure a clear understanding of the Domestic RVSM Program (includes contiguous 48 states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Central/South America and the Caribbean) and the International RVSM Program (NAT/HLA, Oceanic and Remote Operations and RNP-10.

To fly in this airspace, operators are required to submit an application to the FAA for operational approval. The FAA issues Part 91 Letters of Authorization (LOA) and Part 135 Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) for FAA registered aircraft operators. RVSM approval is issued to acombination of the Operator, the qualified pilot(s) and the specific aircraft so cannot be “transferred” to a new owner after the sale of an aircraft.

If your aircraft is operated under Part 91, it is important to determine which entity or entities are in Part 91 operational control prior to submitting an application to the FAA. If an aircraft is to be operated under Part 91 by the owner and leased to a charter company, then both the Part 91 operator and the Part 135 operator are required to obtain appropriate operational approval from the FAA. Separate authorizations are required for each person or entity in operational control of the aircraft.

When purchasing a new or preowned aircraft, it is frustrating to learn that the aircraft cannot be flown in RVSM airspace for a period of time. Due to the unpredictability of FAA inspector scheduling and requirements, the timeframe for FAA review could be a few days or a few months. GoRVSM can help get you through this process.

Overview of the steps for gaining Long Term FAA RVSM authorization:

1. Identify whether your aircraft is equipped for RVSM flight operations.
2. Prepare and submit an application package to the FAA. This requires developing a RVSM Program Manual (and possibly a RVSM Maintenance Program) which must be submitted with supporting aircraft and pilot documentation. GoRVSM does not support Long Term RVSM applications but we can recommend the right organization to assist you.
3. Provide proof of RVSM pilot training. For operators of single pilot rated airplanes, at least one pilot must have received RVSM training through an FAA accepted course, and at least two pilots must have received RVSM training for dual-pilot rated aircraft.
4. FAA Review: The FAA will assign an inspector to review the application package, with an operations inspector reviewing the operations portion, and (if applicable) an airworthiness inspector reviewing the maintenance portion of the application.
5. FAA Approval: The FAA issues RVSM approval as an LOA. Keep in mind while a RVSM approval is not region specific, a RVSM approval for an N-registered aircraft is valid for worldwide RVSM flight operations.
6. Height Monitoring Flight: Within six months of RVSM approval, your aircraft must complete a height monitoring flight (unless one has already been completed) and in the United States this is required every 2 years or 1000 flight hours, whichever is greater.
7. Continuing Compliance: It’s required to keep RVSM program manuals and LOAs onboard the aircraft and maintain your aircraft in accordance with your RVSM Program manuals.