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4/20/23 

AIM 

TBL 4

6

Pilot/Controller Phraseology 

Message 

Phraseology 

For a controller to ascertain the RVSM approval status of 

an aircraft: 

(call sign) confirm RVSM approved 

Pilot indication that flight is RVSM approved 

Affirm RVSM 

Pilot  report of lack of RVSM approval (non

RVSM status). 

Pilot will report non

RVSM status, as follows: 

a.

 On the initial call on any frequency in the RVSM 

airspace and . . .. 

b.

 In all requests for flight level changes pertaining to 

flight levels within the RVSM airspace and . . .. 

c.

 In all read backs to flight level clearances pertaining 

to flight levels within the RVSM airspace and . . .. 

d.

 In read back of flight level clearances involving 

climb and descent through RVSM airspace 

(FL 290 

 410). 

Negative RVSM, (supplementary information, 

e.g., “Certification flight”). 

Pilot report of one of the following after entry into RVSM 

airspace:  all primary altimeters, automatic altitude control 

systems or altitude alerters have failed. 

(See paragraph 4

6

9, Contingency Actions:  Weather 

Encounters and Aircraft System Failures that Occur After 

Entry into RVSM Airspace.) 

NOTE

 

This phrase is to be used to convey both the initial indication of 

RVSM aircraft system failure and on initial contact on all 

frequencies in RVSM airspace until the problem ceases to exist 

or the aircraft has exited RVSM airspace. 

Unable RVSM Due Equipment 

ATC denial of clearance into RVSM airspace 

Unable issue clearance into RVSM airspace, maintain FL 

*Pilot reporting inability to maintain cleared flight level 

due to weather encounter. 

(See paragraph 4

6

9, Contingency Actions: Weather 

Encounters and Aircraft System Failures that Occur After 

Entry into RVSM Airspace.). 

*Unable RVSM due (state reason) (e.g., turbulence, 

mountain wave) 

ATC requesting pilot to confirm that an aircraft has 

regained RVSM

approved status or a pilot is ready to 

resume RVSM 

Confirm able to resume RVSM 

Pilot ready to resume RVSM after aircraft system or 

weather contingency 

Ready to resume RVSM 

4

6

9.  Contingency Actions:  Weather Encounters and Aircraft System Failures that Occur 

After Entry into RVSM Airspace 

TBL 4

6

2 provides pilot guidance on actions to take under certain conditions of aircraft system failure that 

occur after entry into RVSM airspace and weather encounters. It also describes the expected ATC controller 

actions in these situations. It is recognized that the pilot and controller will use judgment to determine the action 

most appropriate to any given situation. 

Operational Policy/Procedures for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) in the 

4

6

Domestic U.S., Alaska, Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR