PAKISTAN

RVSM
TRAINING

RVSM =
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum
Background
In the late 1950s
It was recognized that, as a result of the reduction in accuracy of
pressure sensing of barometric altimeters with increasing
altitude, there was a need above a certain level to increase the
prescribed vertical separation minimum (VSM) of 1,000 feet

In 1960
An increased VSM of 2,000 feet was established for use
between aircraft operating above FL 290 except where, on the
basis of regional air navigation agreement, a lower flight level
was prescribed for the increase. The Selection of FL 290 was
not so much an empirically based decision but rather a function
of the operational ceiling of aircraft at that time.

Background.contd
In 1966
This change over-level was established at FL290 on a global
basis. At the same time, it was considered that the application of
a reduced VSM above FL 290, on a regional basis and in
carefully prescribed circumstances was a distant possibility in
the not too distance future. Accordingly , ICAO provisions stated
that such a reduced VSM could be applied under specified
conditions within designated portions of airspace on the basis
of regional air navigation agreements.
In the late 1970s
Faced with rising fuel costs and growing demands for a more
efficient utilization of available airspace, ICAO initiated a
comprehensive program of studies to ensure the feasibility of
reducing the 2,000 feet VSM applied above FL 290 to the same
1000 feet VSM which is applied above FL 290.

Background.contd
Throughout the 1980s
Various studies were conducted, under the auspices of ICAO
and in Europe, Canada, Japan, and the United States.
Determine the height accuracy of the altimetry systems of the
current aircraft population.
Establish the causes of observed height keeping errors.
Determine the required safety levels for the implementation and
use of a Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) of 1000
feet in the level band FL 290 FL 410 inclusive.
Define MASPs* for aircraft altimetry and associated height keeping
accuracy to a standard compatible with the agreed safety
requirements for RVSM.
Note *MASP : Minimum Aircraft System Performance Specification
Background.contd
Conclusion

From the outset it was clear that the complex
nature of ATS route structure, the wide variety of
aircraft types, high traffic density and the high
percentage of climbing and descending aircraft,
would be a more complex ATM environment.
What is RVSM?
- Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum
1000ft for
approved aircraft
between FL290 and FL410 inclusive
in designated airspace.
INTRODUCTION
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM)
operations permit the application of a 1,000 ft vertical
separation minimum between suitably-equipped /
approved aircraft in the level band FL290 FL410.
The purpose is to increase airspace capacity and
provide airspace users with more flight levels, and
thus optimize flight profiles.
BENEFITS OF RVSM
Six extra flight levels
Increase in airspace capacity
Reduction in flight delays
Significant fuel saving for operators from
optimum height profiles.
Environmental benefits from reduce fuel burn
More operational flexibility for Controllers
RVSM Requirements
Only flight operations conducted under Instrument Flight
Rules (IFR) are permitted in the RVSM Airspace.
Only aircraft, which are RVSM approved, will be authorized to
operate within the RVSM Airspace
A 1,000 ft vertical separation minimum (VSM) between RVSM
approved aircraft.
A 2,000 ft VSM between non-RVSM approved aircraft & any
other aircraft.
A 2,000 ft separation minimum between all aircraft exiting
RVSM Airspace.
Non- RVSM approved civil aircraft operating as GAT below
FL290 or above FL410.

Challenge for ATC
The most difficult challenge for ATC is the provision of two different
vertical separation minima (1,000 ft and 2,000 ft separation).

Under non- RVSM operations (2,000 separation between FL-290
FL410) : Eastbound traffic is assigned to fly at FL 290, 330, 370 ,
and 410, and Westbound traffic is at FL 310, 350 and 390.

Under RVSM operations (1,000 separation between FL 290 FL
410) : Six additional flight levels are obtained. That is, eastbound
traffic is assigned to fly at FL 290, 310, 330, 350, 370, 390 and 410.
Westbound traffic is at FL 300, 320, 340, 360, 380, and 400.


It is important to note that FL 310, 350 and 390 are assigned for the
Westbound traffic under non-RVSM operations, but for the
Eastbound under RVSM operations
Minimum Equipment List
Two independent altitude measurement systems
One secondary surveillance radar transponder with
an altitude reporting system that can be connected to
the altitude measurement system in use for altitude
keeping.
An altitude alerting system
An automatic altitude-control system
APPROVAL FOR RVSM OPERATIONS
Only RVSM approved aircraft will be permitted to
operate within the Pakistan RVSM Airspace. The
Approval is issued to aircraft operators by the
responsible authority once an operator has achieved
the following :

Each aircraft type has received airworthiness approval
demonstrating compliance with the RVSM Minimum Aircraft
System Performance Specification (MASPS),
The States approval of both the operations manual and the
maintenance procedures specific to RVSM operations
RVSM Flight Levels
179
180
Table of RVSM
IFR
Cruising Levels
000
359
Even thousands
to FL280
then
FL300
FL320
FL340
FL360
FL380
FL400
FL430
FL470
FL510
Odd thousands
to FL270
then
FL290
FL310
FL330
FL350
FL370
FL390
FL410
FL450
FL490

CVSM Flight Levels
EVEN
Thousands
to
FL280 then
FL310
FL350
FL390
FL430
etc.

ODD
Thousands
to
FL290 then
FL330
FL370
FL410
FL450
etc.

Table of
Conventional
(CVSM) IFR
Cruising Levels
000
359
179
180
RVSM Levels vs CVSM Levels
Conventional IFR Cruising
Levels 180 - 359
RVSM Cruising
Levels 000 - 179
FL370
FL330
FL290
FL300
FL310
FL320
FL340
FL350
FL360
FL380
FL390
FL400
FL410
FL370
FL330
FL290
FL300
FL310
FL320
FL340
FL350
FL360
FL380
FL390
FL400
RVSM Levels vs CVSM Levels
Conventional IFR Cruising
Levels 000 - 179
RVSM Cruising
Levels 180 - 359
FL370
FL330
FL290
FL300
FL310
FL320
FL340
FL350
FL360
FL380
FL390
FL400
FL410
FL370
FL330
FL290
FL300
FL310
FL320
FL340
FL350
FL360
FL380
FL390
FL400
RVSM Tracks 000 to 179
Entering RVSM Airspace
From CVSM Airspace
FL410
FL370
FL350
FL330
FL310
FL290
FL370
FL330
FL290
FL390
FL330
FL290

FL350
FL310
FL410
FL390
FL370
FL410
RVSM Tracks 180 to 359
Entering CVSM Airspace
From RVSM Airspace
FL390
FL390
FL350
FL310
FL280



FL380
FL360
FL340
FL320
FL300
FL400
FL430
RVSM PROCEDURES IN TRANSITION
AREAS
A number of FIRS in the RVSM airspace have
been designated to handle the transition of aircraft
from an RVSM to a non-RVSM environment and vice-
versa. Within this RVSM transition airspace special
procedures will allow ATC to transition both RVSM
and non-RVSM Civil and State aircraft. Flight crew
may expect to change from conventional flight levels
to RVSM flight levels and vice-versa. ATC will
continue to provide a 2,000 feet VSM between a
non-RVSM approved aircraft and any other aircraft.
Civil NON - RVSM Aircraft
Must Flight Plan outside RVSM airspace
ie: Up to and including F280 or
F430 and above
However non - RVSM aircraft may, at
controller discretion, be assigned a
level within RVSM airspace and;
2000ft separation shall be used
between non-approved aircraft and
any other aircraft

APPROVED NON-RVSM STATE
AIRCRAFT
STATE AIRCRAFT ARE EXEMPTED FROM HAVING
TO MEET THE RVSM MASPS. AS A CONSEQUENCE ,
STATE AIRCRAFT CAN BE ACCOMODATED IN THE
RVSM AIRSPACE PROVIDED THAT ATC MAINTAINS
A MINIMUM VERTICAL SEPARATION OF 2000 FEET
BETWEEN SUCH AIRCRAFT AND ALL OTHER IFR
AIRCRAFT. IN FIELD 18 OF THE ICAO FPL, STATE
AIRCRAFT SHALL THEN REQUEST SPECIAL
HANDLING BY FILING STS/NONRVSM.
APVD NON-RVSM Aircraft
Police
State Aircrafts
Military
All these operations should indicate APVD
NON RVSM in Field 18 of the FPL unless
RVSM approved
Approved NON - RVSM Aircraft
Dispensation available - (to allow Flight Planning
only in RVSM airspace)
If unable to fly to destination at or
below FL280 or at or above F430
is being initially delivered to the state
of registry of operator; or
is RVSM approved and has experienced
an equipment failure and is being flown to
a maintenance facility; or
Provided that the aircraft;
Approved NON - RVSM Aircraft
Dispensation available - (continued)
is being utilised for mercy or humanitarian
purposes
Operators requesting such an approval shall;
coordinate with the first affected control centre
not less than 4 hours prior to intended ETD;
notify all other affected centres once initial
approval is received and;
Approved NON - RVSM Aircraft
Dispensation available - (continued)
in Field 18 of the FPL, include remarks
APVD NON RVSM.
FLIGHT PLANNING
THE FLIGHT CREW SHALL PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO
CONDITIONS THAT MAY AFFECT OPERATION IN RVSM
AIRSPACE:

Verify that the aircraft is RVSM approved, i.e. compliant with
the MEL.
Analysing the reported and forecast weather that may affect
RVSM requirements (turbulence)
Reviewing the Manufactures and the Operators restrictions
concerning RVSM operations.
ICAO FPL : The letter W shall be inserted in Field 10 if RVSM
Approved
RPL : The letter W shall be inserted in item EQPT / if RVSM
approved, regardless of the requested FL.
PRE FLIGHT PROCEDURES
FLIGHT CREW SHALL VERIFY :
The condition of the equipment required for
RVSM operations and that maintenance
actions have been taken to correct defects.
The condition of static sources.
The Altimetry accuracy by setting the QNH or the
QFE. The reading should then agree with the altitude
of the apron or the zero height indication within a 75 ft
(23m) tolerance.

IN FLIGHT PROCEDURES
All the required equipment shall be monitored to
ensure satisfactory operation before and within RVSM
airspace
When changing levels, the aircraft should not
overshoot or undershoot the cleared flight level by more
than 150 ft.
The Automatic altitude control system shall be engaged
during level cruise by reference to one of the two
altimeters. If fitted, the altitude capture feature shall be
used whenever possible for the level off.
Cross checks of the primary altimeters shall be made at
intervals of approximately one hour. These primary
altimeters shall agree within 200 ft.
Note : Failure to meet that condition will require the altimetry
system to be reported as defective and immediately notified to
ATC. An initial check shall be recorded just before entering
the RVSM airspace.
RVSM Phraseologies

CIRCUMSTANCES PHRASEOLOGIES
ATC wish to know RVSM status of flight
CONFIRM RVSM
APPROVED
Pilot indication that flight is RVSM
approved
AFFIRM RVSM
Pilot indication that flight is NON-RVSM
approved
NEGATIVE RVSM
NEGATIVE RVSM
STATE AIRCRAFT
Pilot of State aircraft indicating that
flight is NON-RVSM approved
ATC denial of clearance into RVSM
Airspace.
UNABLE CLEARANCE
INTO RVSM AIRSPACE,
MAINTAIN [ or DESCEND
TO, or CLIMB TO ] FL ..
RVSM Phraseologies contd

CIRCUMSTANCES PHRASEOLOGIES
Pilot reporting severe turbulence /
weather affecting ability to maintain
RVSM height keeping requirement
UNABLE RVSM DUE
TURBULENCE
Pilot reporting equipment degraded
below RVSM requirements.
UNABLE RVSM DUE
EQUIPMENT
ATC requesting Pilot to report when
able to resume RVSM .
REPORT ABLE TO
RESUME RVSM
Pilot ready to resume RVSM after
equipment / weather contingency.
READY TO RESUME
RVSM .
ZCZC BOB5631 090422
FF OPKCZRZA
090809 OPKCZPZX
(FPL-PIA787-IS
-B744/H-SXDHIYW/C
-OPKC0520
-N0521F280 MELOM G208W PG G208 DANIB UL125 ZDN/N0512F310 UL125 TRN
R660 TBZ/0510F320 R660 ERZ UL851 ADINA N0488F340 UL851 EVRIK UL851
SUBES UL610 BATTY UL608 COA UB29 SASKI UL608
-EGLL0746 EGBB
-EET/OIIX0058 LTAA0308 UKFV0417 LRBB0439 LHCC0533 LOVV0559 EDUU0618
EBUR0701 EHAA0715 EGTT0723
REG/AP-BAK SEL/DKCE
COM/TCAS
Flight Plan Indication of
- RVSM Approval
W in Field 10 -
indicates RVSM Approval
CVSM / RVSM airspace
FL300
FL320
FL280
FL330
FL290
FL340
FL310
RVSM airspace
CVSM airspace
RVSM
SEPARATED
RVSM
SEPARATED
FL410
FL400
NON RVSM in RVSM airspace
FL300
FL320
FL280
FL330
FL290
FL340
FL310
NON RVSM
SEPARATED
RVSM
CONFLICT
FL300
FL320
FL330
FL290
FL340
FL310
NON RVSM
RVSM
RVSM
CONFLICT
CONFLICT
NON RVSM at standard level
in RVSM airspace
FL300
FL320
FL330
FL290
FL340
FL310
NON RVSM
RVSM
SEPARATED
SEPARATED
NON RVSM blocks one standard level and
two non-standard levels
NON RVSM at standard level
in RVSM airspace
RVSM
FL300
FL320
FL330
FL290
FL340
FL310
FL280
NON RVSM
#@*%&!
Ideal situation
RVSM
RVSM
RVSM
PRIORITY
An RVSM approved aircraft shall be given priority for
level requests over aircraft not RVSM approved within
RVSM airspace
APVD NON RVSM versus RVSM approved =
Equal priority to operate in RVSM airspace however,
RVSM approved aircraft has priority for level.
NON RVSM approved aircraft that do not have
APVD NON RVSM status have no priority in
RVSM airspace.
Abnormal Operations
Greater than Moderate Turbulence
Turbulence
Weather Deviation
Equipment Failure in RVSM airspace
Equipment Failure in RVSM airspace
If redundancy in the primary altimetry system is lost and remaining
altimetry systems functioning normally- acknowledge and monitor
NOTE: RVSM separation may still be applied in this instance.
Equipment Failure in RVSM airspace
If advice received of a failure of an Automatic Altitude Keeping
Device (autopilot altitude hold) the controller should;
- Pass traffic information
- Obtain pilots intentions
- Provide alternative separation if considered necessary
(Can the aircraft maintain CFL?)
- Advise adjacent ATC facilities/sectors of the situation.
Equipment Failure in RVSM airspace
In the event of total primary altimetry
systems failure or if considered unreliable
- Assess traffic and separate if possible
- If unable - advise pilot of traffic and request pilot
intentions
- If pilot requests clearance to exit RVSM airspace,
accommodate asap and update traffic
- Advise aircraft in vicinity and monitor situation
Equipment Failure in RVSM airspace
RVSM Separation must not be applied following pilot advice of:
Total failure of primary altimetry systems
Primary altimetry systems considered unreliable
Negative RVSM
Other considerations
TCAS/ACAS - Possibility of more frequent TA/RA.
Advice - Pass traffic (workload permitting) where an
aircraft is climbing/descending to a level 1000ft
above/below another.
ICAO has recommended that airlines update to TCAS
Version - 7 to avoid unnecessary TA/RA, and this is
gradually being implemented.