Plan Ahead or Fall Behind

We've heard the saying, "Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it." For some, this might mean always keeping a winter survival kit in your vehicle or ensuring that your home smoke alarms are installed and operational at all times. For business aviation operations, it could very well be as simple as applying for and receiving your Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) letter of authorization (LOA).

In 2019, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) changed the requirements to fly in RVSM airspace, allowing operations WITHOUT an LOA if they meet specific criteria such as having an aircraft fitted for a 14 CFR 91.227-compliant ADS-B Out which transmits sufficient ADS-B data, which is maintained in accordance with all the mandatory maintenance tasks (such as air data and transponder checks), and meets height monitoring specifications. Crews must also be trained in RVSM, have no other need for a specific document confirming they are RVSM-authorized, and never operate outside of the contiguous United States.

While this change in requirements does often help simplify operations, it is important that we don't become complacent in seeking a formal RVSM approval even if we don't have an urgent need. With the current limited FAA inspector resources, an RVSM LOA application could take up to a year for a Part 91 operator if there are any snags in paperwork along the way. Sure, you might not need an LOA right now, but when or if you do, it may be too little, too late. Procrastinating on this important task may mean that one day, your boss needs to go to Mexico or Canada for the first time and you're left doing an awkward carpet dance explaining that you can't take the airplane there without having to fly below Flight Level 290, maybe adding additional cost and stops along the way due to increased fuel burn, and you are now unable to fly above any unfavorable weather conditions. None of that happens if you simply apply and receive your RSVM LOA in advance. It's easy and it's smart.

Keep in mind that the application isn't the only requirement that must be met as there is additional training that crews must receive to take advantage of RVSM airspace. Advanced Aircrew Academy does provide customized, online training for RVSM for both Part 91 and Part 135 operators.

Too often, we climb through FL290 without a thought, but proper training is important to keep within published guidance and keep our crews and passengers safe. Like our smoke detector batteries that we sometimes forget to change until it wakes you from a dead sleep at 2 a.m. with its insistent chirping, we need to do better in anticipating, planning, and positioning ourselves for success in all the things we do. Certainly, business aviation operations is included in that mix because to use another popular saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Plan now and be ready for whatever comes your way! Stay vigilant. Stay proactive. Stay safe.