NPRM
A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was published in May 2002. The comment period closed on August 8, 2002.

Rule Package Access
The FAA Administrator approved the Domestic United States (U.S.) RVSM (DRVSM) Final Rule package on 10/22/03. The Final Rule package and other documents related to DRVSM rulemaking are posted on the DOT Docket Management System (DMS). The DOT DMS can be accessed at (http://dms.dot.gov/search). Search for docket number 12261 and look to the bottom of page 2 for the DRVSM Final Rule package.

Implementation Plan for Domestic U.S. and Offshore Airspace
The Final Rule package states the FAA plan to implement RVSM between flight level 290-410 (inclusive) on January 20, 2005. The airspace planned to be RVSM airspace on January 20, 2005 is: the airspace over the 48 states of the United States, Alaska, Atlantic High Offshore and Gulf of Mexico High Offshore Airspace (including Houston and Miami Oceanic) and the San Juan FIR. (See the reprint of Part 91 Appendix G, Section 8 (Designation of Airspace) wording below).

The FAA Notice, “Operational Policy/Procedures For RVSM in the Domestic U.S., Alaska, Offshore Airspace And the San Juan FIR” confirms the implementation date and airspace.

New Domestic U.S. RVSM Regulation: Part 91 Section 91.180 Wording

§91.180 Operations within airspace designated as Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum airspace.

• Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate a civil aircraft in airspace designated as Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace unless:
  • The operator and the operator's aircraft comply with the minimum standards of appendix G of this part; and
  • The operator is authorized by the Administrator or the country of registry to conduct such operations.
• The Administrator may authorize a deviation from the requirements of this section.

Additions to Part 91 Appendix G, Section 8 (Airspace Designation)

• RVSM in the United States. RVSM may be applied in the airspace of the 48 contiguous states, District of Columbia, and Alaska, including that airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast.
• RVSM in the Gulf of Mexico. RVSM may be applied in the Gulf of Mexico in the following areas: Gulf of Mexico High Offshore Airspace, Houston Oceanic ICAO FIR and Miami Oceanic ICAO FIR.
• RVSM in Atlantic High Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR. RVSM may be applied in Atlantic High Offshore Airspace and in the San Juan ICAO FIR.

Other Changes

• Part 91 Sections 91.159 (VFR cruising altitude or flight level) and 91.179 (IFR cruising altitude or flight level) were revised to reflect the RVSM flight level scheme.
• Limited Deviation Authority Approval. Part 91 Appendix G Section 5 was revised to show that in the limited situations where a Non-RVSM operator/aircraft may be accommodated in RVSM airspace, the operator must “submit a request in a time and manner acceptable to the Administrator” (the FAA). Previous wording had called for a submission 48 hours in advance.