Rsvm

[wgaf]

Can someone please explain about 'reduced vertical seperation minima' please.
This is a serious question so no stupid answers please.

 

[sarboy22b]

Can someone please explain about 'reduced vertical seperation minima' please.
This is a serious question so no stupid answers please.

Don't know if this is exactly what you want-it is from "wikapedia"





Reduced Vertical Separation Minima or Minimum (RVSM) is an aviation term used to describe the reduction of the standard vertical separation required between aircraft flying at levels between FL290 (29,000 ft.) and FL410 (41,000 ft.) from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet (or between 8,900 metres and 12,500 metres from 600 metres to 300 metres in China). This therefore increases number of aircraft that can safely fly in a particular volume of airspace. The North Atlantic System Groups that implemented RVSM first determined that they were only implementing a change to one minimum from 2,000' to 1,000'; therefore, that minimum being singular the correct terminology is minimum not minima.

Historically, standard vertical separation was 1,000 feet from the surface to FL290, 2,000 feet from FL290 to FL410 and 4,000 feet above this. This was because the accuracy of the pressure altimeter used in aircraft to determine level decreases with height. However over time Air data computers (ADC) combined with altimeters have become more accurate and autopilots more adept at maintaining a set level, therefore it became apparent that for many modern aircraft, the 2,000 foot separation was too cautious. It was therefore proposed by ICAO that this be reduced to 1,000 feet.

Between 1997 and 2005 RVSM was implemented in all of Europe, North Africa, Southeast Asia and North America, South America, and over the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans. The North Atlantic implemented initially in March 1997 at flight levels 330 through 370. The entire western hemisphere implemented RVSM FL290-FL410 on January 20, 2005.

Only aircraft with specially certified altimeters and autopilots may fly in RVSM airspace, otherwise the aircraft must fly lower or higher than the airspace, or seek special exemption from the requirements. Additionally, aircraft operators (airlines or corporate operators) must receive specific approval from the aircraft's state of registry in order to conduct operations in RVSM airspace.

Critics of the change are concerned that by reducing the space between aircraft, RVSM may increase the number of mid-air collisions and conflicts. In the ten years since RVSM was first implemented not one collision has been attributed to RVSM. In the US this program was known as the Domestic Reduced Separation Minimum (DRVSM DT_Xtremez_44:

 

[FOMz]

WGAF,

Because its you asking, I assume that you are on about RVSM in european airspace (there are subtle differences with other parts of the world).

Look here mate, as it has a pretty picture for you to look at, which may explain it better than a page of blurb.

But as a note, the Mighty Herc fleet is RVSM exempt, as it can't attain the levels required to use it!

 

[Billy Whizz]

WGAF,

Because its you asking, I assume that you are on about RVSM in european airspace (there are subtle differences with other parts of the world).

Look here mate, as it has a pretty picture for you to look at, which may explain it better than a page of blurb.

But as a note, the Mighty Herc fleet is RVSM exempt, as it can't attain the levels required to use it!

K maybe but not the J!

Checkout the RVSM critical region by the pitot's!

 

[FOMz]

K maybe but not the J!

Yes the J as well, the standard GAT operating levels are between 090&280, RVSM doesn't kick in untill 290. Trust me.!!!!

 

[Billy Whizz]

Yes the J as well, the standard GAT operating levels are between 090&280, RVSM doesn't kick in untill 290. Trust me.!!!!

I do - you are in the right job to know!

Just a bit silly of us to introduce RVSM critical regions with improved pitot's on the J if they were never needed.

And painting the region in a yellow outlined box really screwed up the local firemen in sunnier climbs who thought they were "emergency cut here" boxes!