ATC
RVSM debutruffles few feathers
By most accounts, the start of reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) standards in North America a little over a month ago was a relatively smooth tran

By most accounts, the start of reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) standards in North America a little over a month ago was a relatively smooth transition, even for business aircraft operators who had opted not to gain approval before the January 20 implementation date.

Doom-and-gloom predictions about choke points in the flight levels below RVSM airspace and potential delays never materialized, observers said, apparently because controllers were willing to accommodate most non-RVSM aircraft by letting pilots climb above the airspace and cruise on top.