RVSM

What is RVSM airspace?

RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum) is the airspace between FL290-410 throughout most of the world. RVSM reduces the vertical separation between aircraft from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet, which increases airspace capacity and allows pilots to fly more fuel-efficient routes.

What is an RVSM authorization?

In the U.S., the FAA issues a B046 RVSM Letter of Authorization (LOA) to Part 91 operators. Part 135 operators are issued a RVSM B046 OpSpec.

Who needs an RVSM authorization?

RVSM authorizations are required by all countries outside the U.S. and in oceanic airspace. If you plan on flying anywhere outside U.S. controlled airspace, you must have an RVSM authorization to file and fly between FL290 and FL410 (inclusive).

N-registered aircraft operators who plan on flying in RVSM airspace outside the U.S. must obtain an RVSM authorization (LOA or OpSpec) from the FAA before they can file /W in the flight plan and file any flight level designated as RVSM (FL290-410 inclusive).

Without an RVSM authorization, operators cannot file the RVSM code in their flight plan. Some countries allow non-RVSM approved operators to fly through RVSM airspace and cruise above FL410 and some countries do not. Consult the applicable AIP for country specific requirements. Without an RVSM authorization, operators will be prohibited from flying in RVSM airspace throughout much of Europe, significantly limiting operational flexibility and route options.

Is an RVSM authorization required to fly in U.S. domestic RVSM airspace?

If your aircraft is not U.S. registered, you must have an authorization from the aircraft State of Registry to operate in U.S. RVSM airspace. If you operate a U.S. (N registered) aircraft, the FAA has removed the requirement for an RVSM LOA to operate in U.S. Domestic RVSM airspace – if the aircraft is BOTH ADSB OUT equipped and RVSM capable. To enter RVSM airspace without an FAA-issued authorization beginning 1/22/19, ALL of the following must be true:

Flight conducted within the United States (continental US, and no more than 12 NM offshore);
N-registered aircraft;
RVSM compliant aircraft with RVSM knowledgeable pilots;
ADS-B Out compliant aircraft (flying in airspace actively being ADS-B monitored)
- ADS-B Out system must meet equipment performance requirements of 14 CFR 91.227 (Look for statement in your aircraft AFM).

How do I submit an RVSM application to the FAA (LOA B046)?

To comply with ICAO Annex 6, each operator of aircraft must apply to the FAA for RVSM authorization under Appendix G, Section 3 and obtain an RVSM LOA. The FAA publishes an RVSM Job Aid to assist Part 91 operators. In general, applicants are required to complete and submit the RVSM Job Aid to the FAA along with supporting aircraft, operator, and pilot training documentation. The aircraft must be RVSM capable (per the AFM, TCDS, a Service Bulletin, or STC) and recurrent RVSM inspections must be current. The pilot(s) must be appropriately typed and trained in RVSM airspace operations (per AC91-85), and procedures must be adopted (per AC91-85).

How can Jet RVSM help?

Jet RVSM assists operators in preparing and submitting an RVSM LOA application package to the FAA. We also provide the necessary operating procedures manual in our International Operations Manual. Our manual has been pre-accepted by the FAA via a "PSOC" under the FAA's Streamlined LOA Application (SLOA). for RVSM applications.

We assist in identifying the compliant operator(s)/LOA applicant(s), determining which FAA office has jurisdiction over your operation and confirming your aircraft capabilities. We assemble all necessary supporting documents, fill out required FAA paperwork, prepare the LOA application letter, submit the application to the FAA, and follow up with the FAA to ensure the application is assigned to inspectors for processing. If the inspectors have questions about the submission, we work with them as necessary. We also review the FAA-issued LOAs to ensure they are issued correctly, and facilitate e-signature by the operator's representative.

We offer an optional manual update service to ensure your procedures are always up-to-date. We monitor changes to U.S. and international RVSM airspace operations and publish quarterly revisions to our International Operations Manual. Updates can be pushed automatically to an Android or iOS app so you can rest assured that your procedures are always current.

How long does it take to obtain an RVSM LOA?

FAA review timeframe can take anywhere from 24 hours to many months. Review is largely dependent on FAA inspector availability and scheduling. Some offices can process Part 91 LOA requests faster than others. Part 91 applications are the FAA's lowest priority task for processing, so often get pushed to the back of the line. Jet RVSM maintains a database of all FAA offices and can pull information on the average processing time by office for our customer submissions.

See our FAQ page for more information, or contact us!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Part 91 operators are required to submit LOA requests to the FAA office that services their "Principal Base of Operations" address. The FAA defines this address as a physical address where the operator makes operational control decisions. It cannot be a management company's address, a post office box/drop box, attorney, friend, relative, or registered agent address. In the case of multiple possible addresses that meet the FAA definition, the operator must identify one as the primary address. Applications must be submitted to the FAA office that services that address. FAA inspectors can reject an application if they suspect operational control decisions are not made at the address identified on the LOA request.