Federal Department of the

Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications DETEC

Federal Office of Civil Aviation FOCA
Safety Division – Flight Operations

FOCA Certification Leaflet (CL)

Reduced Vertical Separation Minima

RVSM
Document Reference 58-30_CL_Reduced_Vertical_Separation_Minima
Registration No. 311.120.1-00005
Prepared by SBOC fip / lur
Released by SB ASF 01.10.2013
Distribution Internal/External

CP
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FOCA Certification Leaflet RVSM

Log of Revision (LoR)

Date Issue Revision Highlight of Revision
01.10.2013 2 0 Page layout changed. Legal basis amended to Commission Regulation.
14.09.2016 2 1 Legal references for occurrence reporting in civil aviation adapted
02.03.2018 2 2 Recording of altimeter cross-check removed

List of Effective Pages

Page ISS/REV Date

CP 2.0 01.10.2013
ADMIN 2.0 01.10.2013
ToC 1 2.0 01.10.2013
ABB 1 2.0 01.10.2013
01 2.0 01.10.2013
02 2.0 01.10.2013
03 2.1 14.09.2016
04 2.0 01.10.2013
05 2.0 01.10.2013
06 2.0 01.10.2013
07 2.0 01.10.2013
08 2.2 02.03.2018
09 2.0 01.10.2013
10 2.0 01.10.2013
11 2.1 14.09.2016
12 2.0 01.10.2013
13 2.0 01.10.2013
14 2.0 01.10.2013
15 2.0 01.10.2013
16 2.0 01.10.2013
17 2.0 01.10.2013
18 2.0 01.10.2013
19 2.0 01.10.2013

ADMIN
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FOCA Certification Leaflet RVSM

Table of Contents (ToC)

CL 0 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................1
0.1. Purpose of this CL ..................................................................................................................1
0.2. Scope .....................................................................................................................................1
0.3. Terms and Conditions ............................................................................................................2
0.4. Legal and Reference ..............................................................................................................3
0.5. Organisation/Operator Responsibilities ..................................................................................3
0.6. Format of the CL ....................................................................................................................4

CL 1 Formal Application ...............................................................................................................5

1.1. Operational Documents ..........................................................................................................5

CL 2 Operational Approval ...........................................................................................................6

2.1. Operations Specification RVSM .............................................................................................6
2.2. Route Competence RVSM .....................................................................................................6

CL 3 Operating Procedures ..........................................................................................................7

3.1. Flight Preparation Instruction ..................................................................................................7
3.2. In-Flight Procedures ...............................................................................................................8
3.3. Contingency Procedures ........................................................................................................9
3.4. Post Flight Procedures .........................................................................................................10
3.5. Reporting of Occurrences.....................................................................................................11

CL 4 Aeroplane Type Specific Procedures ...............................................................................12

4.1. Limitations ............................................................................................................................12
4.2. Normal Procedures ..............................................................................................................13
4.3. Abnormal / Emergency Procedures ......................................................................................14
4.4. Minimum Equipment List (MEL)............................................................................................14

CL 5 Regional Procedures .........................................................................................................15

5.1. Specific Regional Operational Procedures ...........................................................................15

CL 6 Training and Checking .......................................................................................................16

6.1. RVSM Training and Checking Concept ................................................................................16
6.2. RVSM Training Module ........................................................................................................17

ToC 1
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List of Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are within this Certification Leaflet:

Abbreviation Definition Abbreviation Definition

AAD Assigned Altitude Deviation SSR- Secondary Surveillance Radar

Transponder Transponder
AFM Aircraft Flight Manual
TC Training Captain
AOC Air Operator Certificate
Tech-Log Technical Log System
ASE Altimeter System Deviation
TRE Type Rating Examiner
ATC Air Traffic Control
TRI Type Rating Instructor
ATL Aircraft Technical Log
TVE Total Vertical Error
Continuing Airworthiness
CAME
Management Exposition WATRS Western Atlantic Route System

CBT Computer Based Training

CL Certification Leaflet

D-RVSM Domestic United States

EASA European Aviation Safety Agency

EUR Europe

FOCA Federal Office of Civil Aviation

FSTD Flight Simulation Training Device

GI Ground Instructor

Helicopter Emergency Medical

HEMS
Service

HIL Hold Item List

LIFUS Line Flying under Supervision

MEL Minimum Equipment List

MID Middle-East Region

NAM North America Region

NAT North Atlantic

OPS SPECS Operations Specifications

PAC Pacific Region

Reduced Vertical Separation

RVSM
Minima

SFE Synthetic Flight Examiner

SFI Synthetic Flight Instructor

SOP Standard Operating Procedures

ABB 1
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CL 0 Introduction
All Certification Leaflets (CL) are intended to assist the organisation/operator in the implementation of
relevant matters into the activities and the document system of the organisation/operator, as well as
to ensure compliance with legal requirements. It is to be considered a tool for the
organisation/operator in order to ease processes of obtaining required and defined acceptances,
approvals and authorisations issued by the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). Using the CL will
facilitate establishing compliance with defined requirements and will lead through the respective
certification or variation process. This is achieved by the presentation of key questions to be used by
the organisation/operator to question completeness and compliance of the information contained in
the respective document system by performing a self-assessment prior to submitting the
documentation to FOCA.
It is important to understand, that FOCA will use the identical CL when evaluating regulatory
compliance to a specific requirement. The CL is also used as a checklist when performing the
authorities’ technical finding during the certification or variation process. The questions used by the
organisation/operator during the self-assessment are identical to those used by the responsible
inspector during the evaluation process.

0.1. Purpose of this CL

Operators acquiring the operations specification RVSM must be in compliance with the requirements
concerning airworthiness, operational procedures and training of all involved personnel. The process
of approval includes the adoption of all parts of the operations manual system in the respective
chapters as well as the amendment of affected maintenance documentation, procedures and tasks.
This CL was developed in accordance with the legal requirements, intending to provide guidance for
operators when applying for an extension of their Operations Specifications within the AOC by
adopting their operations manuals and maintenance documents in order to get an operational
approval for RVSM operations. This CL covers airworthiness aspects, operational requirements and
flight crew training subjects.

0.2. Scope
The presented guidance material covers all aspects of RVSM operations requirements and shall
assist the applicant to be compliant with these requirements.

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0.3. Terms and Conditions

When used throughout the Certification Leaflet the following terms shall have the meaning as defined
below:

Term Meaning Reference

shall, must, will These terms express an obligation, a EC English Style Guide: Ch. 7.19
positive command.
may This term expresses a positive EC English Style Guide: Ch. 7.21
permission.
shall not, will not These terms express an obligation, a EC English Style Guide: Ch. 7.20
negative command.
may not, must not These terms express a prohibition. EC English Style Guide: Ch. 7.20
need not This term expresses a negative EC English Style Guide: Ch. 7.22
permission.
should This term expresses an obligation when EASA Acceptable Means of Compliance
an acceptable means of compliance publications
should be applied. FOCA policies and requirements
could This term expresses a possibility. http://oxforddictionaries.com/
definition/english/could
ideally This term expresses a best possible FOCA recommendation
means of compliance and/or best
experienced industry practice.

Note: To highlight an information or editorial note, a specific note box is used.

 The use of the male gender should be understood to include male and female persons.

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0.4. Legal and Reference

This CL is based on the legal references listed below:

Legal Reference Issue Subject

Common rules in the field of civil aviation and

Basic Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 20.02.2008
establishing an European Aviation Safety Agency
Technical requirements and administrative procedures
Commission Regulation related to air operations
05.10.2012
(EU) No 965/2012 Annex I: DEF; Annex II: Part-ARO; Annex III: Part-
ORO; Annex IV: Part-CAT; Annex V: Part-SPA
Technical requirements and administrative procedures
related to civil aviation aircrew
Commission Regulation Annex I: Part-FCL; Annex II: Conversion of existing
03.11.2011
(EU) No 1178/2011 national licences and ratings;
Annex III: Acceptance of Licences of third countries;
Annex IV: Part-MED

Commission Regulation Technical requirements and administrative procedures

related to civil aviation aircrew
(EU) No 290/2012 30.03.2012
Annex V: Part-CC; Annex VI: Part-ARA; Annex VII:
(amending regulation 1178/2011) Part-ORA
Regulation (EU) No 376/2014 Reporting, analysis and follow-up of occurrences in civil
03.04.2014
(amending regulation 996/2010) aviation
Classifies occurrences in civil aviation to be
Regulation (EU) No 2015/1018 29.06.2015
mandatorily reported acc. to Regulation (EU) 376/2014
Investigation and prevention of accidents and incidents
Regulation (EU) No 996/2010 20.10.2010
in civil aviation
ICAO Annex 6 PART 1 01.07.2010 Operation of aircraft
ICAO Doc 9574 01.01.2012 RVSM (FL290-FL410)
ICAO Doc 7030 01.01.2008 Regional Supplementary Procedures

0.5. Organisation/Operator Responsibilities

The operator has to ensure that all parts of the operations manual system are revised in a manner as
to be compliant with the requirements relevant for RVSM operations. All airworthiness requirements
must be fulfilled.

The following subjects must be covered:

 Evidence of the certification status of the affected aircraft has to be provided to FOCA (AFM /
Supplement).
 Standard Operating Procedures (OM-B) as well as the Training Programmes (OM-D) must be defined
and implemented in the OM-System.
 Regional specific operational procedures and information must be implemented (OM-C).
 Occurrence Reporting Procedures have to be established and described accordingly (OM-A).

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0.6. Format of the CL

The CL consists of a standardised modular reference box system. The following presentation
provides details of the defined format:







 Topic: subject description

 FOCA evaluation method

FOCA / Topic Reference Number which may be used as an identification in addition to interlink

between this leaflet and the Document Evaluation Report (Finding Report).
The Number consists of a combination of:
- a subject code related to the specific topic/ theme; and
- sequence number in the respective chapter of the CL.
The above example 3-B9-075 indicates:
RVSM = CL regarding RVSM Specific Approval, 3 = CL section; B9 = OM chapter under evaluation
(here OM-B, Chapter 9.), followed by 075 = sequence number.
Associated legal reference and/ or reference to other relevant publications including information on
 formal Acceptance (ACC) or Approval (APP) where applicable.
Reference to the Part(s), Chapter(s) and/or Subchapters of the organisation’s document systems or
 manual system as required by the applicable Part.
If the legal provision requires a formal approval, a short description of the content of this approval is
 provided.
 Questions for self-assessment and compliance verification.
Provides instructions, provisions, regulatory requirements, guidelines, acceptable means of
 compliance and examples of current best practice.

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CL 1 Formal Application

1.1. Operational Documents M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

RVSM ORO.MLR.100 ORO.MLR.101

CL TOPIC LEGAL REFERENCE

1-G-005
CL Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No. Operations Manual System
MANUAL REFERENCE

IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Has the application form 44.20 been submitted to FOCA together with all relevant documents?
QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

 The following relevant documents may form part of the formal application:
- Revision of the relevant parts of the operations manual system including checklists and
Minimum Equipment List (MEL).
- Description of the relevant operating history of the operator together with the experience-
level of flight crew members concerning RVSM operations.
- Plan for participation in Verification/Monitoring programmes.
 The revised parts of the operations manual system containing instruction and information on
RVSM operations, as a complete package, shall be submitted to: FOCA, Section Operations of
Complex Airplanes, 3003 Berne.

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CL 2 Operational Approval

2.1. Operations Specification RVSM M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

ORO.MLR.100 ORO.MLR.101 ORO.MLR.105 SPA.GEN.100 SPA.GEN.105

RVSM SPA.GEN.110 SPA.GEN.115 SPA.GEN.120 SPA.RVSM.100 SPA.RVSM.105
CL TOPIC LEGAL REFERENCE

2-A0.1-005
Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No.
OM – A, Chapter 0, Administration and Control of the Operations Manual, 0.1 Introduction
MANUAL REFERENCE

APP: The Operations Specification RVSM must be listed together with all other operations specifications of
the operator concerned.
IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Is the Operations Specification RVSM mentioned in the introduction paragraph of the Operations
Manual Part-A?
QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

2.2. Route Competence RVSM M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

ORO.MLR.100 ORO.MLR.101 ORO.FC.105 CAT.OP.MPA.135

RVSM LEGAL REFERENCE
CL TOPIC

2-A5.2-010 OM – A, Chapter 5, Qualification requirements

Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No.
5.2 Description of required qualification/competence for flight crew members
MANUAL REFERENCE

IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Is the Route Competence for RVSM Airspace declared?

QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

 For flight crew members, the qualification “Route-Competence to operate in RVSM Airspace”
must be declared in OM-A, Chapter 5.

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CL 3 Operating Procedures

3.1. Flight Preparation Instruction M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

CAT.OP.MPA.135 CAT.OP.MPA.175 SPA.RVSM.100 SPA.RSVM.105 SPA.RVSM.110

RVSM LEGAL REFERENCE
CL TOPIC

3-A8.1-005
Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No. OM – A, Section 8.1, Flight Preparation Instruction
MANUAL REFERENCE

IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Does the operator consider operational influence related to RVSM operations during his flight
preparation procedure?
 Is a procedure established and appropriately described, indicating which equipment is required
for the operation in RVSM airspace and which has to be checked to be operational before
entering RVSM airspace?
QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

The following subjects shall be described, as a minimum:

 Flight Planning: For RVSM operations, instructions must be provided to the flight crew to
review and verify the aircraft technical status reflected in the Aircraft Technical Log (ATL), to
consult the aeroplanes Hold Item List (HIL), to verify the aeroplane dispatch status using the
Minimum Equipment List (MEL) concerning RVSM operation and en-route weather forecast for
the detection of areas with heavy turbulence on the intended route.

 Aircraft External Inspection: It shall be stated that the external inspection procedure of the
aeroplane shall focus on the fuselage skin condition in the surrounding of the static sources and
the condition of the static sources itself.

 Flight Deck Preparation: Instructions shall be provided for a comparison check between the
indications of the two primary altimeters to be within a tolerance of 75 ft for RVSM operation.

 Equipment: It must be mentioned clearly that the following equipment must be checked to be
operational prior to entering RVSM airspace:
- Two independent altitude measurement systems; and
- One altitude alerting system; and
- One automatic altitude control system; and
- One secondary surveillance radar (SSR) transponder with altitude reporting system that can
be connected to the altitude measurement system in use for altitude control.

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3.2. In-Flight Procedures M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

(EU) No 965/2012 Air Operations

RVSM LEGAL REFERENCE
CL TOPIC

3-A8.3-010
Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No. OM – A, Chapter 8.3, Flight Procedures
MANUAL REFERENCE

IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Are the procedures applicable during RVSM operation described in detail?

QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

Detailed provisions and procedures shall be made, covering the following, as a minimum:
a) Notification that RVSM operation is limited in Altitude and also on Airspeed (Mach-Number).
b) Altimeter setting procedures must be observed and respective crosschecks shall be performed
in hourly intervals.
c) Altitude comparison checks during level flight shall be stated to be within ± 200 ft.
d) Procedures to monitor the aeroplane`s level-off manoeuvre and system capability at an
assigned flight level while using the automatic altitude control system and the autopilot function.
e) Monitoring procedures shall be described, ensuring that the altitude alerting system is operative.
f) The limit for over- or undershooting of 150 ft of an assigned flight level shall be stated.
g) It must be stated that the altimeter system being used for altitude control shall be the source
information for the altitude reporting transponder.
h) Applicable Standard ATC phraseology with regard to RVSM operation shall be implemented
and the use of the respective wording shall be explained.

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3.3. Contingency Procedures M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

(EU) No 965/2012 Air Operations

RVSM LEGAL REFERENCE
CL TOPIC

3-A8.3-015
Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No. OM – A, Section 8.3, Flight Procedures
MANUAL REFERENCE

IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Are the circumstances affecting the capability for RVSM operation of the aircraft concerned
clearly mentioned?
QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

The list of circumstances that affect RVSM capability of an aeroplane shall contain at least the
following:
a) Failure of all automatic altitude control systems
b) Loss of redundancy of altimeter system
c) Loss of engine thrust requiring to descend
d) Any failure of equipment affecting the ability to maintain cleared flight level
e) Heavy turbulence affecting the altitude keeping capability of the aircraft

Contingency procedures to be applied within RVSM airspace shall be described, containing at least
the following:
 Notification to the relevant Air Traffic Control centre about the loss of RVSM capability by
applying the respective phraseology.
 Coordination of the action plan appropriate to the situation and airspace environment
concerned.

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3.4. Post Flight Procedures M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

(EU) No 965/2012 Air Operations

RVSM LEGAL REFERENCE
CL TOPIC

3-A8.3-020
Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No. OM – A, Section 8.3, Flight Procedures
MANUAL REFERENCE

IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Are the Post Flight Procedures adequately described with regard to RVSM operation?
QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

With respect to RVSM operations, the following shall be stated as a minimum:

 Any malfunction affecting the RVSM capability of the airplane shall be recorded in detail in the
Aircraft Technical Logbook (ATL).
Deficiencies, that are critical in regard to RVSM operations, shall be listed and shall contain, as a
minimum:
 Any malfunction in the automatic height keeping system;
 Any malfunction in the altimetry system;
 Any deficiency affecting the redundancy within the altitude measurement system.

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3.5. Reporting of Occurrences M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

Regulation (EU) No 376/2014, Reporting, Analysis and Follow-Up of Occurrences in Civil Aviation

(EU) No 996/2012, Investigation and Prevention of Accidents and Incidents in civil Aviation
RVSM
CL TOPIC ORO.GEN.160 CAT.GEN.MPA.100 CAT.GEN.MPA.100 SPA.RVSM.115
LEGAL REFERENCE
3-A11-025
Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No.

OM – A, Chapter 11, Handling, Notifying and Reporting Occurrences

MANUAL REFERENCE

IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Are violations in regard to RVSM operating rules addressed which need to be reported by the
flight crew?
QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

Altitude Deviations
For altitude deviations during RVSM operations or height keeping errors, at least the following shall
be stated and need to be reported:
 A total vertical error (TVE) of ±300 ft; and
 An altimeter system error (ASE) of ±245 ft; and
 An assigned altitude deviation (AAD) of ± 300 ft; and
 During transition phase, overshooting or undershooting of a cleared flight level of more than
150 ft; and
 The loss of RVSM capability; and
 The application of any contingency procedure.

Reporting Procedures
The reporting procedure, that is applicable after any violation regarding RVSM operating rules, shall
be described in detail, containing at least the following:
 who has to file the report (Commander); and
 who is receiving the report (Head of Flight Operations, Flight Safety Officer, etc.); and
 that the report has to be filed within 72 hours after the occurrence, containing an initial
analysis of causal factors and measurement taken to prevent the reoccurrence; and
 that the altitude deviation report (ADR) form, relevant for the FIR, has to be used for the
report; and
 where the corresponding form can be found within the organisation.

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CL 4 Aeroplane Type Specific Procedures

4.1. Limitations M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

ORO.GEN ORO.AOC SPA.RVSM

RVSM LEGAL REFERENCE
CL TOPIC

4-B1-005
Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No. OM – B, Section 1, Limitations
MANUAL REFERENCE

IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Is the Operation Specification RVSM listed as a type of operation?

QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

The following shall be stated, as a minimum:

 The Operation Specification RVSM must be listed together with all other operations
specifications applicable for the aeroplane (-group) concerned.
 The speed limit for RVSM operations must be provided in the chapter limitations. Ideally, this
shall be stipulated as a figure in KIAS or Mach, not as a reference only.

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4.2. Normal Procedures M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

ORO.GEN.110
RVSM LEGAL REFERENCE
CL TOPIC

4-B2-010
Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No. OM – B, Section 2, Normal Operations
MANUAL REFERENCE

IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Is the aircraft pre-flight procedure adopted for operational equipment required for RVSM
operations?
QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

Pre-Flight Inspection
The procedure shall be described, covering the following as a minimum:
 The external inspection procedure shall contain all relevant equipment such as all static ports,
especially the condition of the fuselage skin around the static-ports.
 The cockpit preparation shall include a primary altimeter crosscheck to be within a tolerance of
±75 ft.
 The equipment relevant for RVSM operations must be checked operational.
 The Tech-Log-System shall be reviewed concerning the operational status and RVSM capability
of the aeroplane.

Altimeter Setting Procedures

The different procedures shall be defined in detail, covering the following as a minimum:
 The procedure for altimeter setting and checking shall be described in detail, covering all
relevant aspects regarding crew coordination and crew communication (call-outs).
 The procedure for the transition out of a climb or descent into a straight level flight shall be
described, covering the relevant aspects in regard to the monitoring of correct operation of the
altitude alerting system and the automatic altitude control system.
 The procedure to perform primary altimeter crosschecks and respective recording.
 The use of the autopilot system in relation to the respective altitude transmitting transponder.

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4.3. Abnormal / Emergency Procedures M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

ORO.GEN.110
RVSM LEGAL REFERENCE
CL TOPIC

4-B3-015
Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No. OM – B, Section 3, Abnormal- and Emergency procedures
MANUAL REFERENCE

IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Are contingency procedures established and described covering the case of any system
malfunction affecting the RVSM capability?
QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

When the flight is exposed to any situation that implies a degradation of RVSM capability of the
aeroplane, i.e. when encountering greater than moderate turbulence, the aeroplane type specific
procedure to be applied by the flight crew shall be described, covering the following as a minimum:
 the use of the automation system in general; and
 the use of the altitude keeping system; and
 the applicable flight modes of the automatic flight control system during flight level changes
(climb or descend); and
 the use of speed brakes and spoilers; and
 the applicable mode for the use of the auto throttle system.

4.4. Minimum Equipment List (MEL) M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

ORO.MLR.105 CAT.IDE.A.105
RVSM LEGAL REFERENCE
CL TOPIC

4-B9-020
Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No. OM – B, Section 9, Minimum Equipment List (MEL)
MANUAL REFERENCE

APP: Minimum Equipment List

IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Is the MEL amended in order to cover all system components that are relevant for the RVSM
capability of the aeroplane?
QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

The minimum equipment list shall be amended in order to comply with the requirement for RVSM
operations in respect to system capability and redundancy.

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CL 5 Regional Procedures

5.1. Specific Regional Operational Procedures M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

ORO.MLR.100 ORO.MLR.101
RVSM LEGAL REFERENCE
CL TOPIC

5-C-005
Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No. Operations Manual Part C
MANUAL REFERENCE

IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Are the Regional Operational Procedures applicable for the Operator`s area of operation
provided to the users?
QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

The regional operational procedures including normal and contingency procedures must be integrated
in the Operations Manual Part-C, covering the operator`s whole area of operation as specified on the
AOC.
 European Region (EUR)
 North Atlantic (NAT)
 Western Atlantic Route System (WATRS)
 North America Region (NAM)
 Domestic United States (D-RVSM)
 Pacific Region (PAC)
 Middle East Region (MID)

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CL 6 Training and Checking

6.1. RVSM Training and Checking Concept M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

ORO.FC.105 ORO.FC.115 ORO.FC.120 ORO.FC.145 ORO.FC.205

RVSM ORO.FC.215 ORO.FC.220 ORO.FC.230
CL TOPIC LEGAL REFERENCE

6-D2-005
Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No.
OM-D, Chapter 2 , Training Syllabi and Checking Programme
MANUAL REFERENCE

APP: Operator Conversion Training Syllabus, Line Check and Proficiency Training and Checking
ACC: Command Course
IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Is the RVSM training correctly integrated into both the conversion and recurrent training and the
checking programme as well?
 Is a sector included in the line flying under supervision module where RVSM operation can be
applied within RVSM airspace?
QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

The RVSM-Training and Checking Module shall be implemented within “Key Courses” as listed
below:
Training Checking
“Key Courses”
required required
Conversion Training and Checking covering:
FSTD / Airplane


Ground and

Conversion Course changing operator

Yes Yes
 Conversion Course changing ACFT type
Training

 Conversion Course changing operator and ACFT type

Command Course No Yes

Phase


FSTD / Airplane Training

Recurrent Training and LPC No

Checking
 OPC N/A Yes
 Line Check Yes
 Recurrent training Yes
N/A
Difference and Familiarisation Training No
In Flight Relief of Flight Crew Members Training
N/A
Recent Experience

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FOCA Certification Leaflet RVSM

6.2. RVSM Training Module M/CC

TOPIC EVALUATION METHOD

ORO.FC.105 ORO.FC.115 ORO.FC.120 ORO.FC.145 ORO.FC.200

RVSM ORO.FC.205 ORO.FC.215 ORO.FC.220 ORO.FC.230
CL TOPIC LEGAL REFERENCE

6-D2-010
Ch.-OM Ch.-Seq.-No.
OM-D, Chapter 2, Training Syllabi and Checking Programme
MANUAL REFERENCE

IF APPLICABLE, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL

 Is a RVSM training and checking module integrated within the OM-D?

 Are the topics listed below implemented within the RVSM training and checking module?
QUESTION FOR COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION AND SELF ASSESSMENT

RVSM Training and Checking Module

Definition of Topic
The RVSM training module must contain comprehensive instruction of basic knowledge and operational procedures in
order to get familiar with all aspects of operations within RVSM airspace.

Reference to qualification requirements (if required)

NIL

Standard of performance to be obtained

The following standards of performance shall be defined as minimum requirement to be obtained after having completed
the RVSM training module:
 The trainee has obtained a thorough knowledge of the RVSM operational procedures and contingency procedures
including standard ATC phraseology used in the relevant area of operations;
 The trainee has an understanding of the interaction between the aeroplane`s altimeter system, its automatic altitude
control capability (with emphasis to the aeroplane altitude capture system) and the transponder system in normal and
abnormal conditions;
 The trainee has an understanding of visual perception of other aircrafts during darkness, when encountering local
phenomena, for opposite and same direction traffic, and during turns;
 The trainee has completed at least one sector during the line flying under supervision phase, where RVSM operation
was applied.

Prerequisites
The trainee shall fulfil the following prerequisites before starting RVSM training:
 Vital parts of the operator’s manual system should have been taught to the trainee beforehand to allow an adequate
overview.

Interrelation with other training modules

As the operation within RVSM airspace is considered part of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), RVSM Training shall
be part of the “Ground Refresher Training”.

Training items (steps, lessons, sequence and detailed content)

RVSM Training is to be performed according to the information given in the “Key Course” list.
Theoretical instruction for initial training means: classroom instruction and/or CBT;

The following Training Items shall be covered:

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FOCA Certification Leaflet RVSM

 The minimum equipment requirements for RVSM operations; Specific Minimum Equipment List (MEL) content;
 Aeroplane Automation Systems;
 Airframe operation restrictions, characteristics of aeroplane altitude capture systems;
 Use and limitations in terms of accuracy of standby altimeters contingencies; application of static source error
correction-/ position error correction-tables;
 Visual perception of other traffic;
 Basic concept for normal procedures in RVSM airspace;
 Flight-Planning;
 Pre-Flight Procedures;
 In-Flight Procedures: - Prior to entry into RVSM airspace, - within RVSM airspace, - TCAS / ACAS operating
characteristics within RVSM airspace;
 Basic concepts for RVSM contingencies;
 ATC phraseology applicable for RVSM operations. Emphasis shall be laid on re-enforcement of understanding,
compliance and query in case of uncertainties;
 Specific Regional Operational Procedures and Contingency Procedures in accordance with the Area of Operation,
e.g. European Region (EUR), North Atlantic (NAT) Western Atlantic Route System (WATRS), North America
Region(NAM), Domestic United States (D-RVSM), Pacific Region (PAC), Middle East Region (MID);
 Post-Flight Procedures;
 Entries in Technical Log Systems;

Ground Training and Checking shall cover theoretical and practical parts of the subject (Classroom),
Practical Training and Checking shall be performed in the FSTD or aircraft.

Checking / Examination including pass mark for written tests

Means of Training and Checking:
 Theoretical knowledge will be checked by means of a written test or by any other suitable method where the quality of
the transferred knowledge can be traced and recorded. The questionnaire shall comprise questions distributed
appropriately across the main subjects of the syllabus.
 The candidate has to pass the knowledge assessment before being entitled to undergo further practical training and
checking in the FSTD or aircraft.
 During the OPC, the candidate has to demonstrate practical knowledge of RVSM operation.
 Flight Crew have to demonstrate their competence in carrying out normal operations within RVSM airspace.
Therefore, as RVSM operation is an integral part of SOP, proficiency and knowledge shall be assessed during the line
check.

Training and Checking personnel required / involved

All necessary Training and Checking personnel involved in Training and Checking as listed below have to be incorporated
in the operators OM-D, chapter 1.3 Training and Checking Personnel before being entitled to execute the privileges:
 Classroom practical and theoretical Training and Checking is to be given by a Ground Instructor (GI), Training Captain
(TC) or a Type Rating Instructor (TRI)
 FSTD / Aircraft Training is to be given by a SFI/TRI on the Flight Simulator/Aircraft during Conversion training when
changing aircraft type or when changing operator.
 Checking of practical knowledge on FSTD shall be performed by a SFE/TRE.
 Checking of practical knowledge on the aircraft shall be performed by a TC or TRE.
 Practical Training during Line Flying under supervision (LIFUS) as well as initial and regular Line Checks shall be
given/taken by formally accepted Training Captains (TC).

Subcontracted Training Organisations:

Reference to subcontracted training organisations, listed in OM D, Chapter 1.2; shall be made, if applicable.

Reference to syllabi and lesson plans

The operator shall state all references where a specific RVSM training syllabus and associated lesson plans can be found
within the operators OM Part-D.

End of Certification Leaflet

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