Fly between FL290 and FL410 anywhere in the world. We build your RVSM package, coordinate with your FSDO, and see it through to your B046.
RVSM stands for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum. Between FL290 and FL410, air traffic control separates aircraft by 1,000 feet instead of 2,000. That opens more altitudes, better routes, and better fuel burn.
To use it, the aircraft must be built and maintained to hold altitude very precisely, and the operator must be authorized.
The FAA has reminded operators that ADS-B Out alone is not enough once you leave U.S. airspace. Here is what the notice means for you.
Every foreign civil aviation authority currently requires a specific RVSM approval before you fly RVSM in its airspace.
U.S.-registered aircraft need an RVSM LOA B046 for RVSM airspace outside the U.S. LOA D098 covers short-term operations such as ferry flights, sales demonstrations, and test flights.
Some foreign authorities do not recognize the ADS-B Out authorization (Part 91 Appendix G, Section 9) as a specific approval, so it does not apply outside the U.S.
Outside the U.S., you may file the RVSM code “W” only if you hold a valid B046 or D098 and are operating under it. Make sure your flight planning provider files correctly.
There are two ways to fly RVSM under Part 91. Which one fits depends on your equipment and where you fly.
If your RVSM-capable aircraft has qualifying ADS-B Out, you can fly RVSM in U.S.-controlled airspace without applying for an LOA. The FAA monitors your altitude-keeping through ADS-B.
The catch: it stops at the border. Foreign authorities do not accept this as a specific approval.
You need a B046 if any of these apply:
One-time trip? For short-term operations, the FAA can issue LOA D098 instead. We will tell you which makes more sense for your schedule.
Approved by type design or STC, with the AFM or supplement to prove it.
Inspections and tests that keep the altimetry system in tolerance.
Crew knowledge of RVSM procedures, contingencies, and equipment limits.
Flight procedures, height-keeping monitoring, and a plan for reporting altitude errors.
We see these delays over and over. We check for every one of them before anything goes to the FSDO.
LOAs belong to the operator. A sale means a new application.
The program must follow the aircraft's own RVSM approval data, not a template.
Missing or expired inspection records stop the review cold.
Inspectors want proof each pilot completed RVSM training.
FSDO review time varies. Start well before your first international trip.
ADS-B-only authority ends at the U.S. border. A Bahamas trip needs a B046.
ADS-B Out only covers RVSM inside U.S.-controlled airspace. Any RVSM flying outside the U.S. requires a specific approval.
Yes. The LOA authorizes you as the operator. The aircraft must already meet RVSM airworthiness standards.
Yes. We prepare the amendment and update your procedures and maintenance program to match.
Most North Atlantic trips also need NAT HLA, oceanic navigation, and data link approvals. Our International Ops Package handles them together.
Send us your aircraft and travel dates. We will reply with a plan and a flat-rate quote.