Reduced Vertical Separation Operations

On March 27, 1997, the FAA adopted requirements for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace. The rule provided requirements for operating in airspace between flight level (FL) 290 and FL 410, with assigned altitudes separated by a minimum of 1,000 feet, rather than the 2,000 foot minimum separation previously required above FL 290. The amendment made more tracks and altitudes available for air traffic control to assign to operators, thus increasing efficiency of operations and air traffic capacity. The action maintained a level of safety equal to or greater than that provided by the previous regulations by requiring improved altitude-keeping performance to participate in RVSM. This action is a summary and disposition of comments received on the final rule.