Order 8900.1, Volume 4, Chapter 1, Section 5 - Code7700

11/3/11 8900.1 CHG 184outline or checklist of the events or steps in the authorization process. It includes references toapplicable document paragraphs and sections.3) AC 91-85 provides the following policy for parts 91, 91K, 121, 125, 125M,and 135 operators: The FAA will authorize initial operational approval for RVSM operations byissuing OpSpecs B046 and D092. (Specific make, model, and series (M/M/S) and individualregistration numbers are listed in D092.) Areas of RVSM operation that are new to the operatorwill be authorized by adding OpSpec B046 to OpSpec B050. (For questions regarding theseOpSpec paragraphs, contact AFS-400 at 202-385-4586.)4) Currently, in designated oceanic airspaces, operators are required to obtain bothRVSM authorization and certain horizontal navigation authorizations. These are separate,specific authorization actions. For example, to operate in NAT/MNPS airspace, operators arerequired to obtain both RVSM and NAT/MNPS authority. In Pacific oceanic airspace, operatorsare required to obtain both RVSM and RNP 10 authorization.5) Information on TCAS as it relates to RVSM operations can be found on theRVSM Documentation Web site. Part 91 appendix G does not require that aircraft be equippedwith TCAS for RVSM operations. Part 91 appendix G, section 2 does require, however, that if anaircraft is equipped with TCAS II and is used in RVSM operations, then it must be a TCAS IIthat meets Technical Standard Order (TSO) C-119b, Traffic Alert and Collision AvoidanceSystem (TCAS) Airborne Equipment, TCAS II with Optional Hybrid Surveillance, Version 7.0or subsequent versions. TCAS equipage requirements can be found in parts 121, 125, 129,and 135.6) The phrases “determining aircraft RVSM compliance” and “initial RVSMairworthiness approval” both appear in RVSM documents to indicate that the FAA hasdetermined that the operator’s aircraft comply with the RVSM standards of appendix G. Thefollowing is provided as guidance for inspectors:a) AC 91-85 provides guidance on the inspector’s determination that aircraft areRVSM compliant. AC 91-85 discusses the documents that the operator must submit to the FAAto show that in-service aircraft or aircraft manufactured RVSM compliant are in compliance withthe RVSM requirements of part 91 appendix G.b) For most in-service aircraft, the RVSM airworthiness documents take theform of SBs, SLs, or STCs. These documents contain requirements that are specific to individualaircraft types or groups and generally require inspections and/or hardware or softwaremodifications. The operator must submit documents to the FAA to show that the required actionshave been completed for each airframe that will operate in RVSM airspace.c) For aircraft manufactured RVSM compliant, the AFM or TCDS must containstatements that show the aircraft to be eligible for RVSM operations.7) When the inspector determines that individual operator airframes are RVSMcompliant, the PTRS must be updated and the airframes must be listed in OpSpec D092 or anLOA, as appropriate.28UNCONTROLLED COPY WHEN DOWNLOADEDCheck with FSIMS to verify current version before using