A surge in pilots requesting RVSM flight levels or operating in RVSM airspace (FL290 to FL410) without the required authorization prompted the FAA to issue Information for Operators (InFO) 12001, which emphasizes flight-planning responsibilities when conducting these operations.

“In the first 15 days of November, 35 IFR operations were filed incorrectly,” the FAA said in the document. “These events indicate that not only are ‘non-RVSM’ aircraft being filed as RVSM authorized, but also, authorized aircraft [are] unable to conduct RVSM due to equipment malfunctions.”

The FAA is reminding operators that aircraft must be properly equipped to fly at RVSM altitudes, and that information submitted on FAA and ICAO flight plans must be accurate, complete and consistent. “If either the operator or the aircraft or both has not received RVSM authorization (non-RVSM aircraft) the pilot will neither request nor accept a clearance into RVSM airspace,” the FAA emphasized.

RVSM requirements and guidance can be found in FAR 91.180, Aeronautical Information Manual Section 4-6-10 and Advisory Circular 91-85.