RVSM is a newer set of rules & regulations that has been recommended by the ICAO , and will be enforced by the FAA , the JAA and other civil aviation authorities around the world.  The purpose of RVSM is to free up airspace between FL290 and FL410 (inclusive).

Before RVSM, a limited number of flight paths were allocated between these altitudes to ensure that aircraft would not pass one another vertically too closely.  The 2000' minimum vertical separation was necessary because the instruments used to display, report, and control aircraft altitude had poor accuracy compared to today’s standards.  Because these altitudes are the most fuel-efficient, they are the most desirable and, consequently, the busiest.

As air travel has become more prevalent, the problem of congestion and flight safety at these popular altitudes has worsened.  Flight path planning became a major issue for operators wanting to utilize these altitudes.  Recognizing the problem early on, the ICAO and other organizations began to do studies looking for viable solutions.  Of all the possibilities examined, RVSM was selected by the ICAO as the one to recommend to their member states and various other organizations.

Safe reduction of the vertical separation minimums is a complex project, and its implementation is a major undertaking that affects not only government agencies and airlines, but also every owner and operator of aircraft capable of operating at these flight levels.  Find out if and when you may be affected.  Many steps to implement RVSM have already taken place, but many others are still required.  Here are just a few:

• Feasibility studies to determine if the existing ATC network can safely handle the large increase in traffic
• Studies to determine the impact on the aviation operators and markets around the world
• Development of  Regional Implementation Plans
• Development of Aircraft and Operator Certification Plans.