Western Hemisphere Nations Increases Airspace Capacity at High Altitudes

The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is going ahead with a doubling of high-altitude airspace routes between 29,000 feet and 41,000 feet, an action that will give pilots and air traffic controllers additional choices by allowing aircraft to fly more direct routes at the most fuel-efficient altitudes. The change, which will be invisible to passengers, will save time and money for airlines and travelers alike.

In moving to Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM), the FAA will reduce the minimum vertical separation of aircraft from 2,000 to 1,000 feet. The change will take effect tomorrow, Jan. 20, at 4:01 a.m. EST.

The move adds capacity while still maintaining the highest level of safety because most aircraft are now equipped with advanced, more precise altimeters and autopilots. The FAA will closely monitor high-altitude flying at its air traffic control enroute centers to ensure a safe transition to RVSM. In order for commercial airlines and other aviation users to take advantage of RVSM, the FAA must determine that aircraft are properly equipped, even though nearly all commercial jets already comply with RVSM requirements. While vertical minimum separation has been reduced, aircraft still must stay at least 5.75 miles away from planes at the same altitude.

RVSM has been implemented safely over the last seven years from Europe to Australia and over most of the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. 

"When you save fuel, you save money: it’s that simple, and more efficient routes save the passenger time," said FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey. "We’re adding airspace routes, increasing capacity and maintaining the same high level of safety simultaneously. We’re switching over on time and at just the right time."

In the summer of 2003, the FAA estimated that RVSM would save airlines and other aircraft operators $5.3 billion from now through 2016, a conservative estimate considering the increase in jet fuel since 2003. The FAA estimated the cost of implementing RVSM to be $869 million, primarily to airlines due to re-equipping older aircraft.

In October 2003, the FAA issued its final rule on implementing RVSM. Last September, the FAA met with Canadian and Mexican civil aviation authorities and agreed to proceed with implementation. All Western Hemisphere countries will convert to RVSM simultaneously on January 20.

FMI: www.faa.gov