4/20/23
AIM
TBL 4
−
6
−
1
Pilot/Controller Phraseology
Message
Phraseology
For a controller to ascertain the RVSM approval status of
an aircraft:
(call sign) confirm RVSM approved
Pilot indication that flight is RVSM approved
Affirm RVSM
Pilot report of lack of RVSM approval (non
−
RVSM status). Negative RVSM, (supplementary information,
Pilot will report non
−
RVSM status, as follows:
e.g., “Certification flight”).
a.
On the initial call on any frequency in the RVSM
airspace and . . ..
b.
In all requests for flight level changes pertaining to
flight levels within the RVSM airspace and . . ..
c.
In all read backs to flight level clearances pertaining
to flight levels within the RVSM airspace and . . ..
d.
In read back of flight level clearances involving
climb and descent through RVSM airspace
(FL 290
−
410).
Pilot report of one of the following after entry into RVSM
airspace: all primary altimeters, automatic altitude control
systems or altitude alerters have failed.
9, Contingency Actions: Weather
Encounters and Aircraft System Failures that Occur After
Entry into RVSM Airspace.)
NOTE
−
This phrase is to be used to convey both the initial indication of
RVSM aircraft system failure and on initial contact on all
frequencies in RVSM airspace until the problem ceases to exist
or the aircraft has exited RVSM airspace.
Unable RVSM Due Equipment
ATC denial of clearance into RVSM airspace
Unable issue clearance into RVSM airspace, maintain FL
*Pilot reporting inability to maintain cleared flight level
*Unable RVSM due (state reason) (e.g., turbulence,
due to weather encounter.
mountain wave)
9, Contingency Actions: Weather
Encounters and Aircraft System Failures that Occur After
Entry into RVSM Airspace.).
ATC requesting pilot to confirm that an aircraft has
regained RVSM
−
approved status or a pilot is ready to
resume RVSM
Confirm able to resume RVSM
Pilot ready to resume RVSM after aircraft system or
weather contingency
Ready to resume RVSM
4
−
6
−
9. Contingency Actions: Weather Encounters and Aircraft System Failures that Occur
After Entry into RVSM Airspace
2 provides pilot guidance on actions to take under certain conditions of aircraft system failure that
occur after entry into RVSM airspace and weather encounters. It also describes the expected ATC controller
actions in these situations. It is recognized that the pilot and controller will use judgment to determine the action
most appropriate to any given situation.
Operational Policy/Procedures for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) in the
4
−
6
−
7
Domestic U.S., Alaska, Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR