ADS-B OUT Could Eliminate RVSM Application Process

The FAA has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would eliminate the requirement for operators to apply for an RVSM authorization when their aircraft are equipped with qualified ADS–B OUT systems. “This proposal recognizes the enhancements in aircraft monitoring resulting from the use of ADS–B OUT systems and responds to requests to eliminate the burden and expense of the current RVSM application process,” the agency said.

“Continual monitoring enabled by ADS–B OUT provides increased height-keeping performance data on an individual aircraft basis and enables the FAA to identify poor altimetry system error (ASE) performance sooner, allowing quicker mitigation of any risk posed by poor-performing aircraft,” the FAA said. Additionally, operators of ADS–B OUT-equipped aircraft would be able to begin RVSM operations immediately.

“This ability to operate immediately would lower costs [estimated at $1,630 per aircraft for smaller Part 91 and 135 operators] and eliminate the delay caused during the processing of an application for authorization,” the FAA noted. According to the NPRM, an FAA analysis of 22,154 U.S.-registered RVSM-approved airplanes estimates that 99.9 percent of those aircraft operate within the specified ASE containment standards, and the target level of safety in the national airspace has been met every year since 2003, when RVSM operations started. Comments on the NPRM are due by September 6.