AIM
4/20/23
TBL 4
−
6
−
2
Contingency Actions: Weather Encounters and Aircraft System Failures that Occur After Entry into RVSM
Airspace
Initial Pilot Actions in Contingency Situations
Initial pilot actions when unable to maintain flight level (FL) or unsure of aircraft altitude
−
keeping
capability:
Notify ATC and request assistance as detailed below.
Maintain cleared flight level, to the extent possible, while evaluating the situation.
Watch for conflicting traffic both visually and by reference to TCAS, if equipped
.
Alert nearby aircraft by illuminating exterior lights (commensurate with aircraft limitations).
Severe Turbulence and/or Mountain Wave Activity (MWA) Induced
Altitude Deviations of Approximately 200 feet
Pilot will:
Controller will:
When experiencing severe turbulence and/or
Vector aircraft to avoid merging target with
MWA induced altitude deviations of
traffic at adjacent flight levels, traffic permitting
approximately 200 feet or greater, pilot will
contact ATC and state “Unable RVSM Due (state
Advise pilot of conflicting traffic
reason)” (e.g., turbulence, mountain wave)
Issue FL change or re
−
route, traffic permitting
If not issued by the controller, request vector
clear of traffic at adjacent FLs
Issue PIREP to other aircraft
If desired, request FL change or re
−
route
Report location and magnitude of turbulence or
MWA to ATC
6 explains “traffic permitting.”
Turbulence and Mountain Wave Activity (MWA) for
detailed guidance.
Mountain Wave Activity (MWA) Encounters
−
General
Pilot actions:
Contact ATC and report experiencing MWA
If so desired, pilot may request a FL change or
re
−
route
Report location and magnitude of MWA to ATC
Controller actions:
Advise pilot of conflicting traffic at adjacent FL
If pilot requests, vector aircraft to avoid merging
target with traffic at adjacent RVSM flight levels,
traffic permitting
Issue FL change or re
−
route, traffic permitting
Issue PIREP to other aircraft
6 explains “traffic permitting.”
NOTE
−
MWA encounters do not necessarily result in altitude deviations on the order of 200 feet. The guidance below is
intended to address less significant MWA encounters.
Operational Policy/Procedures for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) in the
Domestic U.S., Alaska, Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR
4
−
6
−
8