FAQ

If your LOA was issued after February 6, 2006, there is no renewal requirement. Such LOAs are valid until the aircraft changes ownership or if you change the way you operate the aircraft. LOAs issued prior to February 6, 2006 are determined to be invalid after 24 months and you may be required to submit a new approval application to the FAA. Please contact your issuing office to determine whether you need to submit a new application. We recommend you start this process at least 60 days prior to the expiration date.

Jet RVSM can prepare a custom RVSM manual for you within three business days. We then express ship the manual directly to you. As the operator of the aircraft you are required to read, understand, sign and submit the manual to the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) nearest to where the aircraft will actually be based. If outside the United States, then your manual must be submitted to the appropriate International Field Office (IFO).

The FAA’s review process generally takes 60 days. However, the FAA has no official deadline. Part 91 RVSM approvals is one of the lowest priority FAA tasks and the process can extend to several months depending upon the workload and number of available inspectors at your local FSDO. Note: Neither the operator, the aircraft manufacturer, nor any third party can influence the speed of the FAA’s review process.

The FAA expects and requires the operator’s involvement in the approval process. You are required to submit your RVSM Operations Manual after it has been prepared by Jet RVSM. Also, you may need to communicate directly with your FSDO to resolve open issues during the review process.

The FAA’s inspection is not limited to information provided in the RVSM application or RVSM Operations Manual. The FAA may independently investigate any and all information about the operator it deems relevant for RVSM safety and compliance. This can include conducting Internet searches, or requiring additional documentation about the business relationship between the owner and the operator. The FSDO may require additional training, a validation flight with an inspector, or both.

The previous owner’s LOA becomes invalid the day the aircraft changes ownership. It must be returned to the FAA issuing office immediately. LOAs are non-transferable. Therefore, a new application package must be submitted to your local FAA office for approval. The FAA treats this application as a brand new submission.

Within six month of issuance of your RVSM LOA, you must complete an RVSM height monitoring flight (if one was not already completed by the previous owner).  There are two options to accomplish the RVSM height monitoring flight:

1. Over fly one of the AGHME (Aircraft Geometric Height Measurement Element) constellations, which is a no cost service. The AGHME system does not require any special monitoring devices be installed on your aircraft in order for it to be monitored. If your aircraft is equipped with a Mode S transponder, the AGHME can simply be flown over. AGHME constellations are currently operational in Wichita, KS, Atlantic City, NJ and Cleveland, OH.  Click on the icon below to link to the AGHME website for locations, procedures and a height monitoring application form. (ICON FOR AGHME SITE)
2. Complete a "GMU" (GPS-based Monitoring Unit) flight where Jet RVSM is contracted to meet you at an airport of your choosing.  The technician performing the monitoring flight carries onboard a small, portable GPS unit with two antennas which will suction cup to two interior windows. The GMU flight requires you to fly above FL290 and hold LEVEL for 30 minutes while the GPS unit records flight data. A base fee of $1,500 is required, and travel-related expenses must be reimbursed.

Jet RVSM is a qualified and authorized provider of GMU services.

This depends on where you plan to operate your aircraft. To comply with European regulations, you must accomplish a monitoring flight every two years. The United States does not require recurrent RVSM height monitoring flights.