Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM)

Course Overview

This course explains EASA guidance and best practices for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM). It covers regulatory frameworks, airspace applicability, equipment and performance standards, operational procedures, monitoring and oversight, human factors, challenges and future trends.

Course Modules

Module 1 — Introduction to RVSM

• 1.1 Definition of RVSM
• 1.3 Benefits of RVSM
• 1.4 Global RVSM implementation timeline
• 1.5 RVSM related phraseology

Module 2 — RVSM Airspace and Applicability

• 2.1 Definition of RVSM airspace
• 2.2 RVSM Airspace Types
• 2.3 Entry, exit, and transition levels
• 2.4 Eligibility for RVSM
• 2.5 EASA RVSM Applicability

Module 3 — Regulatory Framework

• 3.1 ICAO provisions
  • 3.1.1 Annex 2 — Rules of the Air
  • 3.1.2 Annex 6 — Operation of Aircraft
  • 3.1.3 Annex 11 — ATS
  • 3.1.4 ICAO Doc 9574 — RVSM Manual
• 3.2 EASA Regulatory Framework
  • 3.2.1 EASA Regulation (EU) 965/2012 – Air Operations Regulation
  • 3.2.2 Part-SPA Subpart B – SPA.RVSM (Specific Approvals for RVSM)
  • 3.2.3 AMC1 SPA.RVSM.100 – General Requirements
  • 3.2.4 GM1 SPA.RVSM.100 – Guidance Material
• 3.3 Operator Approvals for RVSM Operations

Module 4 — Aircraft Equipment & Performance Standards

• 4.1 Altimetry system requirements (dual independent systems)
• 4.2 Autopilot requirements & altitude hold performance
• 4.3 Altitude alerting systems & monitoring devices
• 4.4 Maintenance, calibration, and reliability standards
• 4.5 Minimum Equipment List (MEL) considerations
• 4.6 EASA Regulations
  • 4.6.1 CS-25, CS-23, CS-27, CS-29 — certification requirements for RVSM-capable aircraft

Module 5 — Operational Procedures

• 5.1 Pre-flight procedures for RVSM flights
• 5.2 Contingency procedures
• 5.3 ATC coordination & responsibilities
• 5.4 Separation assurance in RVSM
• 5.5 EASA Context
  • 5.5.1 AMC1 SPA.RVSM.105 — operational practices
  • 5.5.2 CAT.OP.MPA.180 / NCC.OP.115 / NCO.OP.165 — operational flight checks
  • 5.5.3 Flight crew SOP requirements (Part-ORO)
  • 5.5.4 Regulation (EU) No 2015/340 — ATCO responsibilities in RVSM airspace

Module 6 — Monitoring, Safety, and Oversight

• 6.1 EASA Context
  • 6.1.1 Aro.Gen.305 / Oro.Gen.200(a)(3) — Continuous Compliance Monitoring
  • 6.1.2 Integration into EASA Safety Management System (SMS) Framework

Module 7 — Human Factors & Training

• 7.1 Flight Crew Training & Awareness
• 7.2 Air Traffic Controller Training for RVSM
• 7.3 Maintenance Staff Training
• 7.4 Human Error Analysis & Risk Mitigation

Module 8 — RVSM Challenges and Limitations

• 8.1 Altimeter Errors and Calibration Issues
• 8.2 Turbulence and Wake Turbulence
• 8.3 Communication Limitations in Oceanic Airspace

Module 9 — Future Trends

• 9.1 Performance-based Navigation (PBN) Integration
• 9.2 Use of ADS-B, SATCOM and surveillance technologies
• 9.3 RVSM evolution with new aircraft and operational concepts

Who Should Attend

• Flight crew and ATC personnel
• Regulatory and safety managers
• Maintenance and calibration staff
• Operational planners and dispatchers
• Aviation safety researchers and auditors

Final Assessment & Certification

Upon completion, participants will take a final assessment to demonstrate their understanding. A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to those who meet the passing criteria.

• Mode: Online
• Course Duration: 45 Minutes
• Validity: 365 Days
• We carefully evaluate the candidates taking up this course. Email us at info@academyaviationonline.com and share your interest in taking up this course.