The FAA’s sweeping proposal to implement domestic reduced vertical separation minimums (DRVSM) in the U.S. starting in December 2004 drew sharp reproves last month from NBAA, which said business aviation was double-crossed by the agency after an earlier, less ambitious proposal calling for a phased implementation schedule was abruptly scrapped in deference to a recommendation by air traffic controllers.
Several general aviation trade groups, led by NBAA, criticized the agency for its decision to apply the restrictions in airspace from FL 290 to FL 410 in a single step rather than phasing in DRVSM over a number of years. When implemented, DRVSM will reduce separation between airplanes flying at higher altitudes from the current 2,000-ft minimum to 1,000 ft. Costly upgrades to avionics and flight controls in the majority of cases will be required before aircraft will be permitted to fly in affected airspace. According to the latest estimates, more than 7,000 business aircraft still need to undergo such modifications between now and late 2004, insufficient time to ensure a smooth transition to DRVSM, experts claim.
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