Continuing Airworthiness Considerations
Considerations related to Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) and continuing airworthiness procedures in support of the Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) operations.
RVSM Maintenance Practices and Procedures
Aircraft Minimum Equipment List (MEL) – Where applicable, a minimum equipment list (MEL), adapted from the master minimum equipment list (MMEL), and should include items pertinent to operating in RVSM airspace.
The Operator’s MEL is evaluated by the Certification Team to ensure that the appropriate sections are revised to identify RVSM-required systems and special procedures.
Maintenance Program shall Include items pertinent to RVSM equipment
The aircraft maintenance program should identify all special techniques, maintenance/inspection frequencies, and test equipment requirements to support the program and specify the method of controlling the operational status of the aircraft.
The aircraft maintenance program established by the operator must ensure that the airborne equipment continues to operate in service to the required performance level and it should be capable of detecting any deterioration in the over-all level of equipment performance.
Special Attention to the maintenance Program is required to ensure sufficient coverage of the following areas:
Maintenance procedures
Maintenance and calibration of test equipment
Equipment required in support of RVSM
The following equipment should be operating normally at entry into RVSM airspace:
(i) two primary altitude measurement systems. A cross-check between the primary altimeters should be made. A minimum of two will need to agree within ±60 m (±200 ft). Failure to meet this condition will require that the altimetry system be reported as defective and air traffic control (ATC) notified;
(ii) one automatic altitude-control system;
(iii) one altitude-alerting device; and
(iv) operating transponder.
As a general guideline, the Maintenance/Inspection Program should demonstrate accountability of the following:
All maintenance accomplished on lower minimum required systems and equipment
All alterations to systems and equipment
Approach status of each aircraft at all times
Evaluations of self-test, Built-In Test Equipment (BITE), or Automated Test Equipment (ATE) to ensure suitability
Spare equipment
Maintenance calibration, use of test equipment, records/reporting requirements
Repetitive and chronic discrepancies to ensure the affected aircraft remains out of lower minimums approach status until positive corrective actions is made
All aircraft in the fleet that have not been evaluated for lower minimums approaches
Downgrading/Upgrading Procedures
A suitable system for monitoring and recording the aircraft status with regard to RVSM operational capability must be established by the operator.
The system should include an acceptable method for monitoring RVSM capability of the aircraft at all times, as well as detailed procedures to downgrade/upgrade the aircraft’s RVSM operational capability.
Certification Staff Criteria
Authorized technical personnel performing RVSM-related maintenance must be identified as well as specific initial/recurrent training requirements.
Defective Equipment
Should any of the required equipment fail prior to the aircraft entering RVSM airspace, the pilot should request a new clearance to avoid entering this airspace.
Sofema Aviation Services www.sassofia.com offers EASA Compliant RVSM training courses please see website or email office@sassofia.com
