Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) Course


In the latter half of the 1900’s ICAO discovered a problem with the separation of commercial aircraft concerning flight levels ranging around 25 000ft. This was due to the lack of precision of the pressure altimeters at and above those flight levels. In the early 1960’s the separation was increased to 2000ft between aircraft operating at and above flight level 290 and above.

But of course as aircraft developed, with more precise instrumentation, a need was reviewed and studies were conducted to see if this separation could now be reduced back to 1000ft again. This was also due to a number of factors, such as:

  • More air traffic could be accommodated on air routes; and
  • Airlines could operate at a more cost-efficient flight level

This ‘new’ program known as RVSM (Reduced Vertical Separation Minima) was introduced to the South African Airspace on the 25th of September 2008.

This course is a requirement for all operators that will be flying within the designated flight levels (FL290 and FL410, both inclusive)

Should you wish to schedule RVSM training, please contact us.