FAA ISSUES NOTICE ON USE OF AUTOMATIC DEPENDENT SURVEILLANCE-BROADCAST (ADS-B) OUT IN SUPPORT OF REDUCED VERTICAL SEPARATION MINIMUM (RVSM) OPERATIONS
On August 7, 2017, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Use of ADS-B Out in Support of RVSM Operations. All comments must be received on or before September 6, 2017.
Summary. This FAA proposes reduced requirements for application to operate in RVSM airspace and to eliminate the requirement for operators to apply for RVSM authorization when aircraft are equipped with qualified ADS-B Out systems and meet specific altitude-keeping equipment requirements. Enhancements in aircraft monitoring resulting from the use of ADS-B Out systems can eliminate the burden and expense of the current RVSM application process for operators of aircraft equipped with qualified ADS-B Out systems. FAA expects $35 million in cost savings during the first 5 years of the rule's implementation.
Requirements. To be eligible for operations in RVSM airspace an operator's aircraft must meet strict height-keeping performance standards. Operators with aircraft not equipped with a qualified ADS-B Out system could still operate with an authorization.
Changes. The proposed rule removes the “special qualification” designation for RVSM airspace and refers to operator specific approvals under the RSVM definition section. Changes would also be made to the Aircraft approval and operator authorization sections allowing for aircraft operators to use the current approval process specified in both sections or the authorization process proposed - Section 9 - for aircraft equipped with qualified ADS-B Out systems to obtain authorization to conduct RVSM operations.
Implementation. This proposal would allow the FAA to perform height-keeping performance monitoring on ADS-B Out equipped flights operating at RVSM altitudes for all airspace due to its access to ADS-B data.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Shelley Ewalt.
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