4-6-11 Non-RVSM Aircraft Requesting Climb to and Descent from Flight Levels Above RVSM Airspace Without Intermediate Level Off
AIM Chapter 4. Air Traffic Control — Section 4-6, Operational Policy/Procedures for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) in the Domestic U.S., Alaska, Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR
Official text — AIM 4-6-11
AIM — FAA OPERATIONAL GUIDANCEa. File-and-Fly. Operators of Non-RVSM aircraft climbing to and descending from RVSM flight levels should just file a flight plan.
b. Non-RVSM aircraft climbing to and descending from flight levels above RVSM airspace will be handled on a workload permitting basis. The vertical separation standard applied in RVSM airspace between non-RVSM aircraft and all other aircraft must be 2,000 feet.
c. Non-RVSM aircraft climbing to/descending from RVSM airspace can only be considered for accommodation provided:
1. Aircraft is capable of a continuous climb/descent and does not need to level off at an intermediate altitude for any operational considerations and
2. Aircraft is capable of climb/descent at the normal rate for the aircraft.
d. Required Pilot Calls. The pilot of non-RVSM aircraft will inform the controller of the lack of RVSM approval in accordance with the direction provided in paragraph 4-6-8, Pilot/Controller Phraseology.
Reproduced from the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (Basic (with Change 3)). The AIM is FAA guidance, not regulation. Verify against the official source before relying on it operationally.
Is this a regulation?
No — this is FAA guidance, not a regulation.
Aeronautical Information Manual. FAA operational guidance and recommended practices. The AIM is not regulatory, although it often explains how to comply with regulations.