AP/ATM/6 Appendix H to the Report on Agenda Item 2 3H-1
Appendix H
Phraseology Related to RVSM Operations
Controller-pilot phraseology:
Message Phraseology
For a controller to ascertain the RVSM approval status of
an aircraft:
(call sign) CONFIRM RVSM
APPROVED
For a pilot to report non-RVSM approval status:
i. on the initial call on any frequency within the RVSM
airspace (controllers shall provide a readback with this same
phrase), and
ii. in all requests for flight level changes pertaining to flight
levels within the RVSM airspace; and
iii. in all read-backs to flight level clearances pertaining to flight
levels within the RVSM airspace.
Additionally, except for State aircraft, pilots shall include this
phrase to read back flight level clearances involving the vertical
transit through FL 290 or FL 410.
See examples that follow.
NEGATIVE RVSM*
For a pilot to report RVSM approval status. AFFIRM RVSM*
For a pilot of a non-RVSM approved State aircraft to report
non-RVSM approval status, in response to the phrase (call
sign) CONFIRM RVSM APPROVED.
NEGATIVE RVSM STATE
AIRCRAFT*
Denial of clearance into the RVSM airspace: (call sign) UNABLE CLEARANCE
INTO RVSM AIRSPACE,
MAINTAIN [or DESCEND TO, or
CLIMB TO] FLIGHT LEVEL
(number)
For a pilot to report when severe turbulence affects the
aircraft’s capability to maintain the height-keeping
requirements for RVSM.
UNABLE RVSM DUE TURBULENCE*
For a pilot to report that the aircraft’s equipment has degraded
below the MASPS required for flight within the RVSM airspace.
(This phrase is to be used to convey both the initial
indication of the non-MASPS compliance, and henceforth,
on initial contact on all frequencies within the lateral limits
of the RVSM airspace until such time as the problem ceases
to exist, or the aircraft has exited the RVSM airspace.)
UNABLE RVSM DUE EQUIPMENT*
3H-2 Appendix H to the Report on Agenda Item 2 AP/ATM/6
Message Phraseology
For a pilot to report the ability to resume operations within
the RVSM airspace after an equipment or weather-related
contingency.
READY TO RESUME RVSM*
For a controller to confirm that an aircraft has regained its
RVSM approval status, or to confirm that the pilot is ready
to resume RVSM operations.
REPORT ABLE TO RESUME RVSM
Example 1
: A non-RVSM approved State aircraft, maintaining FL 260, subsequently requests a climb
to FL 320.
Pilot: (call sign) REQUEST FL 320, NEGATIVE RVSM
Controller: (call sign) CLIMB TO FL 320
Pilot: (call sign) CLIMB TO FL 320, NEGATIVE RVSM
Example 2
: A non-RVSM approved State aircraft, maintaining FL 260, subsequently requests a climb
to FL 430.
Pilot: (call sign) REQUEST FL 430, NEGATIVE RVSM
Controller: (call sign) CLIMB TO FL 430
Pilot: (call sign) CLIMB TO FL 430, NEGATIVE RVSM
Example 3
: A non-RVSM approved State aircraft, maintaining FL 360, subsequently requests a climb
to FL 380.
Pilot: (call sign) REQUEST FL 380, NEGATIVE RVSM
Controller: (call sign) CLIMB TO FL 380
Pilot: (call sign) CLIMB TO FL 380, NEGATIVE RVSM
Example 4
: A non-RVSM approved civil aircraft maintaining FL 280, subsequently requests a climb
to FL 320.
Pilot: (call sign) REQUEST FL 320, NEGATIVE RVSM
Controller: (call sign) UNABLE CLEARANCE INTO RVSM AIRSPACE
MAINTAIN FL 280
Coordination between ATS units:
Para Message
Phraseology
1 To verbally supplement an automated estimate message
exchange, which does not automatically transfer Item 18
flight plan information.
NEGATIVE RVSM
or
NEGATIVE RVSM STATE
AIRCRAFT
[as applicable]
2 To verbally supplement estimate messages of non-RVSM
approved aircraft.
NEGATIVE RVSM
or
NEGATIVE RVSM STATE
AIRCRAFT
[as applicable]
3 To communicate the cause of a contingency relating to an
aircraft that is unable to conduct RVSM operations due to
severe turbulence or other severe weather-related
phenomenon [or equipment failure, as applicable].
UNABLE RVSM DUE
TURBULENCE
[or
EQUIPMENT
, as applicable]
