RVSM Heads Up

The purpose of this page is to explain to TBM Owners what RVSM is, how it impacts their operations and privileges and how to obtain the approval to operate in RVSM Airspace.

The Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum airspace has been created to allow Air Traffic Control to accept more aircraft flying in a defined and limited space. BRNAV has previously allowed to horizontally spread aircraft tracks far away from the former VOR and NDB routes. RVSM now addresses the vertical spread of aircraft. The reduction down to 1000ft separation between aircraft with relative speed up to 900kts requires some precautions. Aviation Authorities have created new regulations that cover the Aircraft and Operator requirements: 91RVSM for FAA registered aircraft and TGL6 for EASA registered aircraft. Both requirements are based on the same ICAO master documents. In administrations where RVSM airspace exists, it normally consists of all airspace between FL290 and FL410.

EADS Socata has developed the necessary enhancements to the TBM to allow it to meet the aircraft side of the RVSM requirements. RVSM aircraft compliance can be obtained on new aircraft as a factory fitted option or as a retrofit via SB 70-120-34. The aircraft manufacturer’s responsibility as far as RVSM is concerned stops here.

Obtaining Operation acceptance relies on the aircraft Operator i.e you. This can be compared to operating your aircraft in IFR: this calls for the aircraft to be IFR equipped and for you to be IFR rated. The difference with RVSM is that the privilege is not granted by a license but via a Letter of Authorization. The reason is that in the authorities minds, most RVSM candidates were to be Airlines or Corporate Flight Departments and not Private Operators. This shows every day in the way our RVSM files are handled and often misunderstood by authorities. In an Airline environment there is always an Operational Procedures Manual that does not exist in the private operator’s world. This example is typical of the differences that exist between private operations and airline operations. Note that a letter of approval is normally valid for 2 years after issue at which time it must be renewed.

Typically, the following documents are needed: Pilot License, Medical, RVSM Training Certificate, RVSM Operation Procedures Manual, RVSM Maintenance Program, Aircraft Certificate of Airworthiness, Aircraft Registration Certificate, Aircraft RVSM compliance statement (via SB 70-120-34).

You need to contact the Authority where your aircraft is registered. They will grant you RVSM privileges for the Area you will ask for (North America, Europe, etc.) if all relevant information is provided to them. In the US this is the local FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) for the location where the aircraft is based.

In order to help you in the process of obtaining your Letter of Authorization, several companies offer a turnkey service solution. EADS SOCATA is also willing to help you in this process. On your behalf, we can prepare, send and follow-up the complete file that needs to be submitted to the relevant aviation authority. This will include the customization of both the RVSM Operation Procedures Manual and RVSM Maintenance Program with details specific to your aircraft. This service is included in our RVSM retrofit offerings. Note that an RVSM application must be submitted by the aircraft operator (typically you). EADS Socata will prepare all of the documents for you (under your name) as part of this service but you as operator must submit them to the approving authority.

For 2006, SOCATA AIRCRAFT Inc. Package costs $72.500 and EADS SOCATA Tarbes Package costs 61.500€.

Aircraft flying in RVSM airspace are monitored when flying over HMUs (Height Monitoring Units) which are distributed though RVSM airspace. ATC monitoring databases are shared between aviation authorities. Aircraft recorded without an adequate authorization can therefore immediately be identified and are liable for prosecution.

The following links additional information on this subject.

MNPS is a restricted airspace over the Atlantic Ocean above FL290. The TBM700/850 is not MNPS compliant and cannot be certified for MNPS operations. However, the TBM700/850 does not typically need to enter this airspace since the Atlantic crossing routes (via Iceland and Greenland) are North of the MNPS area. The fact that MNPS is not required as part of an RVSM approval has to be clearly stated in the request for a RVSM LOA because the process for obtaining MNPS is often associated with RVSM due to Airline orientated processes This has already caused some confusion in a number of RVSM applications.

If you plan to operate in several of the above regions, then your request for L.O.A must be clear and be self explanatory.

Should you need more information please contact our RVSM Customer Service specialists:

EADS Socata
Aéroport de Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées
65921 Tarbes Cedex 9
France

EADS Socata reserves the right to revise all information contained in this document whenever necessary by product improvements, government regulations or other good cause.