The rulemaking comment period on the proposed introduction of reduced vertical separation minima (RVSM) in US airspace closed on 8 August amid deep reservations on the part of the general aviation community.
RVSM, which is scheduled for implementation by the US Federal Aviation Administration in December 2004, would reduce vertical separation between aircraft from the traditional 2,000ft (610m) to 1,000ft, between flight level (FL) 290 (29,000ft) and FL410. The regulation will create six new flight levels, allowing more aircraft to fly at cost-efficient cruising altitudes, saving fuel and reducing in-flight delays.
General aviation industry bodies - the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and the National Business Aviation Association - are calling on the FAA to implement RVSM in phases rather than in one step as proposed. They have expressed concern that RVSM will involve costly equipment upgrades for operators, many of which will not be able to certificate their aircraft in time.
NATA president James Coyne says: "The FAA does not recognise the serious impact that RVSM is having on general aviation, and [the agency] did not do their homework on this proposed rule when it comes to our segment of the aviation industry."
He blames the FAA for bowing to pressure from the scheduled carriers, for which RVSM offers immediate economic benefits. "It is deeply disappointing that the FAA continues on its very aggressive path. This is not only impractical and unrealistic in light of how many aircraft require significant modifications and how much it will cost to make them compliant, but it clearly demonstrates how much pressure the airlines are placing on the FAA," he says.
Eurocontrol introduced RVSM on 24 January in 41 European and North African states.
Honeywell has signed a contract with West Star Aviation to develop an RVSM equipment package for the Bombardier Learjet 30 series. The package, which should become available early next year, includes Honeywell's AZ-252 advanced air data computer, AM-250 barometric altimeter/air data computer, BA-250 altimeter display and altitude alerter control.
Source: Flight International
