Just about everything written so far about domestic RVSM seems to be focused on ways operators can comply with the upcoming requirements by next year’s January 20 deadline. But what about business aircraft operators who have no intention–at least not right away–of spending the thousands of dollars for equipment upgrades, Service Bulletins, aircraft skin mapping and DRVSM flight checks? If operator surveys are to be believed, a surprisingly large number plan to forego approvals until after they have experienced for themselves how hard it is to get around (or, rather, over) the soon-to-be-restricted airspace.
As most business jet pilots know by now, domestic reduced vertical separation minimums will cover FL290 to FL410. But the rules also include a provision allowing non-DRVSM-compliant airplanes to climb through the airspace and cruise on top. Since this option is available, many operators appear to be waiting for DRVSM to start to test how well it works in the real world.
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