Final rule solidifies January 2055 DRVSM

DRVSM will commence as proposed on Jan. 20, 2005, according to final rules published on October 27. In adopting the timetable as proposed, the FAA rejected calls for phased implementation from NBAA, GAMA, NATA and AOPA. But Cessna Aircraft, along with Boeing and several airlines, supported the proposal. The new requirements also reverse a proposal to allow RVSM approval of turboprops with only one compliant altimeter. To date the FAA estimates 38 percent of flights in the U.S. and about 5,700 U.S.-registered aircraft have been approved for RVSM operations. Of those 5,700 aircraft, 3,700 are business jets.