RVSM is the reduced vertical separation minimum of an aircraft above flight level. It was invented to reduce the vertical distance above flight levels (FL) from a minimum of 2000ft to a minimum of 100ft. It was first invented an applied in the 1997 and most countries started implementing it then.
Each county or state has a varying specification of the RVSM depending on the country’s approval rules and regulation. These changes require varying requirements to ensure that aircrafts meet the required flying standards.
The requirements include;
* All aircrafts operators should ensure that the airplanes have an altitude measuring system, an altitude alerting system, secondary surveillance radar for good monitoring functions and a n automatic altitude control system to ensure that the pressure and atmosphere in the aircrafts is in the same level with the one outside.
* All aircrafts should have automated pilots and certified machines that measure the altitude.
* All operators must and should get clearance from the aircrafts state registry before operating any aircraft on airspace. The clearance indicates that a person if fit to pilot and control the airplane.
* Before approval of RVSM, the federal aviation authority ensures that the trained operators have conducted proper maintenance and services practices on the aircraft. There should also be planned flight crew procedures, and finally they should ensure that the airplane meets the set vertical navigation performance capability.
RVSM should pass through various approval stages to ensure that the aircraft is safe and secure to be on air. Mentioned below are some of the essential approvals.
* Maintenance approval- this is the stage where accuracy test are done on the aircraft to ensure that it is in good condition. Trained personnel conduct this procedure periodically
* Operational approval- this is the approval granted by the FAA indicating that the aircraft is well installed and maintained.
* Installation Approval- The equipment used in aircraft should be of high standards and the autopilot, altitude system and air data sensors should all be working effectively.
This practice has some important benefits that include
* Environmental benefits- this benefit occurs from the reduction of aviation emissions like sulphur oxides. This is a result of additional flight levels, which in turn help optimize flight profiles.
* Minimal fuel usage- the fact that airplanes operate under optimum flight levels ensures that the fuel used is minimal, thus saving on cost as well.
* Reduced air congestion and delays- The innovation has been made in such a way that airplanes can fly at their most efficient levels, this enables different aircrafts to use their preferred routes and at their schedule.
For more information of RVSM and other flight controls and management, visit our website at www.laversab.com. We encourage your comments and respond to your enquiries.
