RVSM OPERATIONS

RVSM RT – PHRASEOLOGY
CIRCUMSTANCE PHRASEOLOGY
ATC wish to know RVSM status of
CONFIRM RVSM APPROVED
flight.
Pilots indication that flight is RVSM
AFFIRM RVSM
approved.
Pilots indication that flight is NON
NEGATIVE RVSM
RVSM approved.
Pilots of state aircraft indicating that NEGATIVE RVSM
flight is NON RVSM approved. STATE AIRCRAFT
UNABLE CLEARANCE INTO RVSM
ATC denial of clearance into RVSM
AIRSPACE, MAINTAIN (or DESCEND
Airspace.
TO, or CLIMB TO ) FL …..

Pilots reporting severe turbulence /

weather affecting ability to maintain UNABLE RVSM DUE TURBULENCE
RVSM height – keeping requirements.
UNABLE RVSM DUE EQUIPMENT
Pilots reporting equipments degraded
below RVSM requirements.
ATC requesting pilot to report when
REPORT ABLE TO RESUME RVSM
able to resume RVSM
Pilot ready to resume RVSM after
READY TO RESUME RVSM
Equipments / weather contingency

FULL RVSM ENVELOPE BOUNDARIES

LOWER BOUNDARY IS UPPER BOUNDARY IS DEFINED
DEFINED BY BY
The lower of :
. FL410
LEVEL . FL290 . Aircraft Max certified altitude.
. Altitude limited by cruise thrust,
buffet and other Flight Limitations.

The Lower of : Lower of :

. Maximum endurance. . MMO/VMO
MACH or SPEED
(Holding speed) . Speed limited by cruise thrust,
. Manoeuvre speed buffet and other Flight Limitations.
. The Lowest Gross
. The Highest Gross weight
weight compatible with
Gross Weight compatible with operation in
operations in RVSM
RVSM airspace.
Airspace.

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 RVSM OPERATIONS

TRANSITION :– RVSM/ Non – RVSM

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 RVSM OPERATIONS

FLIGHT PREPARATION FOR RVSM OPERATIONS

FLIGHT PREPARATION (ON GROUND)

1. Verify airframe is RVSM approved & Capable.

2. Check forecast weather suitable for RVSM.
3. Check PDR for RVSM equipment serviceability.
4. Ensure rectification of snags on RVSM equipment completed.
5. Check that each PFD altitude indication (QNH Reference) is within + 75ft of
airport elevation.
6. Check that the difference between the two primary altitude indications on the
PFDs is less than 20 feet (Reference: FCOM 3.04.34 P6)
7. Check ‘W’ in item 10 of ATC Flt Plan.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT / FUNCTIONS FOR RVSM

1. Two primary altimetry systems (2 ADR + 2 DMC)

2. One automatic altitude-keeping device (1 Autopilot function, 1FCU channel)
3. One altitude-alerting device (2 PFD, 1 FWC)
4. One operating transponder with operational Mode ‘C’ (1 transponder)
5. TCAS

IN FLIGHT PROCEDURES

PRIOR TO RVSM AIRSPACE ENTRY

1. Check RVSM Equipment operating normally.

2. Check Instrument tolerances are within limits as per RVSM monitoring report.
3. Obtain new clearance in case of RVSM equipment failure / out of tolerance.
4. If only TWO ADRs are operative, record altimeter indication on the PFD and
standby altimeter.

WITHIN RVSM AIRSPACE

1. Ensure AUTO pilot is engaged for cruise and flight level changes..
2. Do not overshoot / undershoot by more than 150 feet during cleared transitions
between Flight Levels.
3. Carry out hourly check of ADRs and record in RVSM monitoring report form.
4. Ensure that the transponder and the autopilot are associated with one of the ADRs
which is within tolerance

POST FLIGHT

1. Fill RVSM columns in Flight Sector Report.

2. Submit RVSM monitoring report duly filled in.
Reference : A320 FCOM Vol 2.04.50 P 2.
A330 FCOM Vol 2.04.45 P 3

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 RVSM OPERATIONS

IN FLIGHT CONTINGENCIES
(Rapid Descent, Turn back, navigation performance
accuracy, Engine Failure and Diversion)
 INITIAL PILOT ACTIONS IN CONTINGENCY SITUATIONS
If considered necessary alert nearby aircraft by:
i) Making maximum use of exterior lights if possible.
ii) Broadcasting position, flight level and intentions on the frequency in use,
on 121.5 MHz (as a backup, the VHF inter –pilot air-to-air frequency,
123.45MHz, may be used)

 Actions to be taken when controller-pilot communications are established

If unable to continue flight in accordance with ATC clearance, obtain revised
clearance prior to initiating any action using Distress or Urgency signal as
required.

 Actions to be taken if revised air traffic control clearance cannot be obtained

If prior clearance cannot be obtained, an ATC clearance shall be obtained at
the earliest possible time and, until a revised clearance is received, the pilot
shall:-
(a) If possible, depart away from ATS route by turning 90˚left / right.(the bank
angle shall be appropriate so that the parallel track is not over shot )
(b) If unable to maintain level, minimize ROD near centre of route.
(c) Alert nearby aircraft using 121.5 / 123.45 Mhz. Watch for conflicting traffic
both visually and by ACAS.
(d) Turn on all exterior lights.
(e) Acquire a track laterally separated by 15 NMs from assigned route, once
established climb or descend to select a flight level which differs from those
normally used by 500 ft.
(f) If the Contingency Procedures are employed by a twin engine aircraft as a
result of an Engine shutdown or failure of an ETOPS critical system, the pilot
should advise ATC as soon as practicable of the situation, reminding ATC of
the type of aircraft involved and request expeditious handling.

WEATHER DEVIATION
 Actions to be taken when controller-pilot communications are established

1) To indicate priority for ATC purpose, state ‘Weather Deviation Required’

2) The pilot should notify ATC and request clearance to deviate from track,
advising, when possible, the extent of the deviation expected.
3) ATC will take one of the following actions:
3.1) When appropriate separation can be applied issue clearance to deviate
from track; or
3.2) If there is conflicting traffic and ATC is unable to establish appropriate
separation ATC shall:
i) Advise the pilot of inability to issue clearance for requested deviation
ii) Advise the pilot of conflicting traffic, and
iii) Request the pilot’s intentions
4) The pilot should comply with air traffic control clearance issued.
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 RVSM OPERATIONS

 Actions to be taken if revised air traffic control clearance cannot be obtained

If the aircraft is required to deviate from track to avoid adverse meteorological
conditions and prior clearance cannot be obtained and ATC clearance shall be
obtained at the earliest possible time until an ATC clearance is received the pilot
shall take the following actions:
1) If possible, deviate away from an organized track or route system;
2) Establish communications with and alert nearby aircraft by broadcasting, at
suitable intervals: aircraft identification, flight level, position (including the
ATS route designator or the track code) and intentions, on the frequency in use
and on 121.5MHz (or, as a backup, on the inter-pilot air-to-air frequency
123.45MHz).
3) Watch for conflicting traffic both visually and by reference to ACAS (if
equipped);
Note - If, as a result of action taken under the provisions of (ii) and (iii) above, the pilot
determines that there is another aircraft at or near the same flight level with which a
conflict may occur, then the pilot is expected to adjust the path of the aircraft, as
necessary, to avoid conflict.
4) Turn on all aircraft exterior lights (commensurate with appropriate operating
limitations);
5) For deviations of less than 10NM remain at a the level assigned by ATC;
6) For deviation greater than 10 NMs, when aircraft approx. 10NM, initiate level
change as below.
Route Centre
Deviation > 10 NMs Level change
Line Track
East Left / Right Descend / Climb 300ft
West Left / Right Climb / Descend 300ft

N
N
- 300 - 300

10 NM
W E
10 NM

+ 300 + 300
“SAND”: SOUTH ASCEND NORTH DESCEND

S
Note: The ICAO weather deviation procedure is described above and is followed in Indian
Airspace. However, for country specific procedures kindly refer to the regional AIP.

7) When returning to track, be at its assigned flight level, when the aircraft is within
approximately 10NM of the centerline, and
8) If contact was not established prior to deviating, continue attempt to contact ATC to
obtain a clearance. If contact was established, continue to keep ATC advised of
intentions and obtain essential traffic information.

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 RVSM OPERATIONS

RVSM CHINA

FLIGHT LEVEL ALLOCATION SCHEME (FLAS)

China and DPR of Korea RVSM Flight Level Allocation Scheme (FLAS) is based on
Metric Flight Level. ATC will issue the Flight Level clearance in meters, the aircraft
shall be flown using the flight level in FEET. There will be no change in flight level
allocations and operations at 8400m (FL276) or below in non RVSM airspace.
Pilots should be aware that due to the rounding differences, the metric readout of the
onboard avionics will not necessarily correspond to the cleared Flight Level in meters,
however the difference will never be more than 30 meters.
Aircraft equipped with metric and feet altimeters shall use the feet altimeter within
RVSM flight level band. For Table of Flight Level Allocation refer to Jeppesen
CH(H/L) ENROUTE CHARTS.

TRANSITION BETWEEN FLIGHT LEVELS

During cleared transition between levels, the aircraft should not overshoot or
undershoot the assigned FL by more than 45m (150ft).
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 RVSM OPERATIONS

IN FLIGHT CONTINGENCIES FOR CHINA

CONTINGENCY PROCEDURES FOR WEATHER ENCOUNTERS AND
AIRCRAFT SYSTEM FAILURES

 INITIAL PILOT ACTIONS IN CONTINGENCY SITUATIONS

Notify ATC and request assistance as detailed below:

1. Maintain cleared flight level, to the extent possible, while evaluating the
situation;
2. Watch for conflicting traffic using all available means;
3. Alert nearby aircraft by illuminating exterior lights (commensurate with
aircraft limitations);
4. If unable to contact ATC, broadcast position, flight level and intention on
121.5 MHz.

 AIRCRAFT REQUIRING RAPID DESCENT

 Actions to be taken when controller-pilot communications are

established:
Notify ATC of aircraft location and request FL change as required;
1. Upon declaring an emergency a pilot may exercise his right and change his
assigned flight level.
2. He shall notify ATC immediately and submit a report upon arrival at the
destination;

 Actions to be taken if revised air traffic control clearance cannot be

obtained:

1. Deviation procedure for level change: turn 30° right and track out 20
kilometers (i.e. deviate right of airway centerline by 10 km or 5 nm), then, turn
left to track parallel the original route,
2. Then climb or descend to the new level, and then return to the original one
(when appropriate)

NOTE: when returning to the original route, be aware that there

may be conflicting traffic on that route.

3. Establish communications with and alert nearby aircraft by broadcasting, at

suitable intervals: flight identification, flight level, aircraft position and
intention on the frequency in use, as well as on frequency 121.5 MHz (or, as a
backup, the VHF inter-pilot air-to-air frequency 123.45 MHz)
4. Establish visual contact with conflicting traffic;
5. Turn on all aircraft exterior lights (commensurate with appropriate operating
limitations);

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 RVSM OPERATIONS

References:

1) Jeppesen Air Traffic Control Data- China

2) AIP India ENR-1.9-1
3) Airbus FCOM 2.04.50 and FCOM 3.04.34

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