regulations (31) rvsm - iraq civil aviation...

Republic of Iraq

Ministry of Transport

Iraq Civil Aviation Authority

REGULATIONS

(31)

RVSM OPERATIONS IN REDUCED VERTICAL SEPARATION MINIMUM

AIRSPACE

II Regulations No.31 “RVSM”

May, 2013 Revision 0

Amendments

Location Date Description

April, 2010 Revision 0

Location Date Description

Regulations No.31 “RVSM”

III

IV Regulations No.31 “RVSM”


Table of contents

Item Page

Title Page I

Amendments II

Table of Contents IV

Iraq Civil Aviation Regulations No.(31) “RVSM” 1

1 Citation 1

1.1 Citation 1

2 Definitions and Acronyms 1

2.1 Definitions 1

2.2 Acronyms 3

3 Scope and Applicability 3

3.1 Scope 4

3.2 Applicability 4

4 Requirements for RVSM Operations 4

4.1 Aircraft Equipment 4

5 Approvals 4

5.1 Approval to operate in RVSM airspace

5

5.2 Overflight assessment 6

5.3 Final approval process 6

6 Operator / ICAA Oversight 7

6.1 Operator responsibilities 7

7 Investigation 7

7.1 ICAA action 7

7.2 Reinstatement 8

8 Appendices 9

Appendix 1 Application form for RVSM Operation 9

Appendix 2 Guidance on use of F3, F4 and F5 forms 10

Appendix 3 Point of Contact 12

Appendix 4 Record of Approval to operate in RVSM 13

Appendix 5 Withdrawal of Approval to operate in RVSM 14

Regulations No.31 “RVSM”


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REPUBLIC OF IRAQ

REGULATIONS

Made by the Authority with the approval of the Director General of Iraqi Civil Aviation

Authority under “The Civil Aviation Act no. 148 of 1974”.

REGULATIONS NO.(31)

RVSM

1. Citation

Citation 1.1 These Regulations may be cited as (RVSM) Regulations.

2. Definitions and Acronyms

Definitions

and Acronyms 2.1 In these Regulations:

“Altimetry system error” The difference between the altitude indicated by the

altimeter display, assuming a correct altimeter barometric setting, and the

pressure altitude corresponding to the undisturbed ambient pressure.

“Altimetry system error stability” Altimetry system error for an individual

aircraft is considered to be stable if the statistical distribution of altimetry

system error is within agreed limits over an agreed period of time.

“Altitude” The vertical distance of a level, point or an object considered as a

point, measured from mean sea level.

“Assigned altitude deviation” The difference between the transponded Mode C

altitude and the assigned altitude/flight level.

“Automatic altitude-control system” A system that is designed to automatically

control the aircraft to a referenced pressure altitude.

“Collision risk” The expected number of mid-air aircraft accidents in a

prescribed volume of airspace for a specific number of flight hours due to loss

of planned separation. One collision is considered to result in two accidents.


2

“Height” The vertical distance of a level, a point or an object

considered as a point, measured from a specified datum.

“Height-keeping performance” The observed performance of an

aircraft with respect to adherence to flight crew prescribed flight

level. This includes both technical and operational errors.

“Large height deviation” any vertical deviation of 90 metres/300 feet

or more from the flight level expected to be occupied by the aircraft.

“Non-compliant aircraft” An aircraft configured to comply with the

requirements of the RVSM MASPS which, through height

monitoring, is found to have a total vertical error or an assigned

altitude deviation of 90 m (300 ft) or greater, or an altimetry system

error greater than 75 m (245 ft).

“Operational error” Any vertical deviation of an aircraft from the

correct flight level as a result of incorrect action by ATC or the flight

crew.

“Overall risk” The risk of collision due to all causes, which includes

the technical risk (see definition) and the risk due to operational errors

and in-flight emergencies.

“RVSM airworthiness approval” The process by which the State

authority ensures that aircraft meet the RVSM minimum aviation

system performance specification (MASPS). Typically, this would

involve an operator meeting the requirements of the aircraft

manufacturer’s service bulletin for the aircraft and having the State

authority verify the successful completion of this work.

“RVSM approval” The term is used synonymously with RVSM

operational approval.

“RVSM operational approval” The process by which the State

authority ensures that an operator meets all the requirements for

operating aircraft in RVSM airspace. RVSM airworthiness approval

is a prerequisite for operational approval.

“Target level of safety” A generic term representing the level of risk

which is considered acceptable in particular circumstances.

“Technical risk” The risk of collision associated with aircraft

technical height-keeping performance, which specifically refers to the

performance affected by the avionics of the aircraft, not the flight

crew.

“Total vertical error” The vertical geometric difference between the

actual pressure altitude flown by an aircraft and its assigned pressure

altitude (flight level).


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“Track” The projection on the earth’s surface of the path of an

aircraft, the direction of which path at any point is usually expressed

in degrees from North (true, magnetic, or grid).

2.2 The following acronyms are used in these regulations:

(a) AAD Assigned altitude deviation

(b) ACAS Airborne collision avoidance system

(c) ADS-B Automatic dependent surveillance —

broadcast

(d) ADS-C Automatic dependent surveillance —

contract

(e) ASE Altimetry system error

(f) ATC Air traffic control

(g) ATS Air traffic services

(h) CRM Collision risk model

(i) FIR Flight information region

(j) GMU GPS-based monitoring unit

(k) GPS Global positioning system

(l) HME Height-monitoring equipment

(m) HMU Height-monitoring unit

(n) LHD Large height deviation

(o) MASPS Minimum aircraft system performance

specification

(p) MIDRMA Middle East Regional Monitoring

Agency

(q) MLAT Multilateration

(r) MMR Minimum monitoring requirements

(s) RMA Regional monitoring agency

(t) RVSM Reduced vertical separation minimum


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(u) SSR Secondary surveillance radar

(v) TCAS Traffic alert and collision avoidance

system

3. Scope and Applicability

Scope of these 3.1 Scope

Regulations

3.1.1 This regulation addresses the required equipment, the

approvals and the conditions of operational procedures.

3.1.2 This regulation establishes the minimum acceptable

requirements.

Applicability 3.2 Applicability of these

Regulations 3.2.1 This regulation applies to all Iraqi registered aircraft

planning to operate in RVSM airspace.

4. Requirements for RVSM Operations

Requirements 4.1 Aircraft Equipment

4.1.1 All aircraft intending to operate in RVSM

airspace must, as a minimum have the following

equipment, subject to ICAA Airworthiness approval:

(a) Two independent altitude measurement

systems. Each system should be composed of the

following elements;

(i) Cross-coupled static source/system,

provided with ice protection if located in

areas subject to ice accretion.

(ii) Equipment for measuring static pressure

sensed by the static source, converting it to

pressure altitude and displaying the pressure

altitude to the flight crew.

(iii) Equipment for providing a digitally

coded signal corresponding to the displayed

pressure altitude, for automatic altitude

reporting purposes.

(iv) Static source error correction, if


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needed to meet performance requirements;

and

(v) The equipment should provide reference

signals for automatic control and alerting at a

selected altitude. These signals should

preferably be derived from an altitude

measurement system.

(b) One SSR altitude reporting transponder. If

only one is fitted, it should have the

capability for switching to operate from

either altitude measurement system.

(c) An altitude alert system.

(d) An automatic altitude control system.

(e) ACAS Version II (TCAS Version 5. 5.

5. Approvals

Approvals 5.1 Approval to operate in RVSM airspace

5.1.1 At least 60 days prior to the intended start date

of RVSM operations, an operator shall provide to the

ICAA for evaluation;

(a) Airworthiness Documents. Documentation

shall be provided to demonstrate that the aircraft

has been approved for RVSM by the appropriate

airworthiness authorities (eg; State of

Manufacture). This documentation must be

either the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM),

Service Bulletin (S/B) or Supplemental Type

Certificate (STC).

(b) Description of Aircraft Equipment A

description of the aircraft equipment

appropriate to operations in an RVSM

environment.

(c) Maintenance. At the time application is

made for operational approval, the operator shall

submit a maintenance programme for approval.

The programme must address continuing

airworthiness procedures.

(d) All operators shall submit training syllabi


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and other appropriate material to the ICAA to

demonstrate that the operating practices,

procedures and training items related to RVSM

operations are incorporated in initial, and where

appropriate, recurrent training programmes.

(e) Appropriate operator’s manuals and checklists

shall be revised to include information on

standard operating procedures in RVSM airspace,

including identification of any operating

restrictions established for that aircraft group.

5.2 Overflight Assessment

5.2.1 After the ICAA has granted airworthiness

approval, operators should take steps to overfly one

of the Height Monitoring Units near Linz, Austria,

Nattenheim, Germany or Geneva, Switzerland where

the monitoring process results are automatically

transmitted to the EUR RMA who then forwards such

information to all RMAs. Alternatively, overflight

assessments can be conducted by any RMA and

such an assessment is acceptable to the ICAA.

5.3 Final Approval Process

5.3.1 T he final step of the approval process may

require a validation flight through RVSM airspace

with a ICAA Flight Operations Inspector to verify

that all relevant procedures are applied effectively. If

the performance is satisfactory, operational approval

for RVSM airspace may be granted. If the

performance is not adequate, then approval will be

delayed.

5.3.2 Approval to operate in RVSM airspace will be

granted by a Letter of Approval issued by the ICAA.

Each aircraft type group for which the operator is

granted authority will be listed in the Letter of

Approval. Approvals will be valid for 2 years and will

require verification of height keeping accuracy for

renewal. 6. Operator / ICAA Oversight

Oversight 6.1 Operator Responsibilities

6.1.1 Every operator must take immediate action to


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rectify the conditions that cause any height-keeping

errors. The operator shall also report the event to the

ICAA within 72 hours, with initial analysis of causal

factors and measures taken to prevent further events.

6.1.2 Errors that shall be reported to the ICAA and

investigated are:

(a) Total Vertical Error, which is the vertical

geometric difference between the actual pressure

altitude flown by an aircraft and its assigned

pressure altitude (flight level) equal to or greater

than ± 300 ft (± 90 m).

(b) Altimetry System Errors, which is the

difference between the pressure altitude

displayed to the flight crew when referenced to

ISA standard ground pressure setting of

1013.2 hPa, and the free stream pressure

altitude, equal to or greater than ± 245 ft (± 75

m).

(c) Reported Assigned Altitude Deviation ,

which is the difference between the transponder

Mode C altitude and the assigned altitude flight

level, equal to or greater than ± 300 ft (± 90 m).

(d) Operational errors.

6.1.3 The operator shall advise the ICAA of any

rectification work or modifications, which may affect

RVSM capability.

6.1.4 The operator shall ensure that the correct

equipment suffix, and additional information if

required, is included in flight plans of any aircraft

intending to operate in RVSM airspace.

7. Investigation

Investigation 7.1 ICAA Action

7.1.1 The ICAA may revoke RVSM approval if;

(a) An operator consistently incurs equipment or

operational errors.

(b) The operator response to a height-keeping

error is not effective or timely.


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( c ) An operator shows a history of operational

and/or airworthiness errors, then approval may

be revoked until the root causes of these errors

are shown to be eliminated and RVSM

programmes and procedures effective.

7.1.2 Should RVSM approval be withdrawn,

notification shall be sent to the appropriate RMA.

7.2 Reinstatement

7.2.1 Following any rectification work the operator

would again be expected to demonstrate compliance

with the RVSM requirements for monitoring by an

independent height monitoring system.


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APPENDIX 1

APPLICATION FORM FOR RVSM

OPERATIONS This application form is to be completed using

Appendix 2 for guidance. OPERATOR:

Name

Address:

3 letter ICAO identifier of Operator2:

CONTACT PERSON

(COORDINATOR): Full Name:

Title:

Telephone/Fax Number

Email address

AIRCRAFT

Aircraft Type3

:

Aircraft Mark/Series4

:

Manufacturers Serial/Construction

No:

Registration:

Aircraft Mode S Address Code5


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APPENDIX 2

GUIDANCE ON USE OF USC F3, F4 AND F5 FORMS

Please read these notes before attempting to complete the following

forms.

(a) It is important for the Regional Monitoring Agency (RMA) to have

an accurate record of a point of contact for any queries that might

arise from on-going height monitoring. Recipients within the ICAA

are therefore requested to include a completed Form F3 with their

first reply to any RMA. This shall be given as the Director Flight

Safety position.

(b) Recipients with large databases of approval information are requested

to send the information to the RMA by electronic means.

(c) Those recipients without electronic databases must complete a hard

copy form for each aircraft granted the appropriate airworthiness and/or

RVSM approval. The numbers below refer to the superscript numbers

on the blank forms.

1 Enter the 2 letter ICAO identifier as laid down in ICAO Doc. 7910.

In the event of there being more than one identifier for the same

State, the one that appears first in the list should be used.

2 Enter the operator’s 3 letter ICAO identifier as laid down in

ICAO Doc. 8585. If military write “MIL” and put the name

of the aircraft’s unit in the ‘Remarks’ field. If IGA, write

‘IGA’ and put the name of the operator/owner in the ‘Remarks’

field.

3 Enter the ICAO designator as laid down in ICAO Doc. 8643 e.g.

Boeing B767-200 = B762.

4 Enter Mark or Series of aircraft type e.g. 200.

5 Enter Aircraft Mode S address code in hexadecimal format. e.g.

0001 0010 0011 0100 1101 1111 is equivalent to 1234DF

in hexadecimal.

6 Enter Yes or No.

7 Example: For 26 June 1998 write 26.06.98.

8 Indicate for which region(s) the aircraft operator has

included specific regional RVSM procedures in the Operations

Manual or appropriate flight crew guidance and for the

operational approval is applicable.

9 Use a separate sheet of paper if insufficient space available.

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(d) The above numbers also refer to those superscript numbers used in

Form F5 “Withdrawal of Approval to Operate in Regional RVSM

Airspace”. If required, a Form F5 must be completed and forwarded to

the RMA by the most expeditious means available no later than the next

business day after any withdrawal of RVSM approval.

(e) Use block capitals.

When the ICAA approves or amends either the airworthiness approval or

RVSM approval of an operator/aircraft for operations within RVSM airspace,

details of that approval must be recorded and sent to the appropriate Regional

Monitoring Agency (RMA). Appropriate Regional Monitoring Agency addresses

are;

Middle East Regional Monitoring Agency

Tel: +973 17 329054

Fax: +973 17 329956

Email: [email protected]

P.O. Box 50468

Kingdom of Bahrain

mailto:[email protected]


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APPENDIX 3

FORM

F3

POINT OF CONTACT

DETAILS

This form should be completed and returned to the applicable Regional Monitoring

Agency on first contact with, or reply to, that RMA. Use block capitals.

STATE OF REGISTRY

STATE OF REGISTRY (2 LETTER ICAO

IDENTIFIER) ADDRESS

CONTACT

PERSON: Full

Name

Title Surname Initials

Post/Position

Telephone Number Fax Number

Email address

Initial Reply*/Change of details* (*Delete as appropriate)

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APPENDIX 4

FORM

F4

RECORD OF APPROVAL TO OPERATE IN RVSM

AIRSPACE

State of Registry1

Name of Operator2

State of Operator1

Aircraft Type3


Manufacturers Serial/Construction

No:

Registration


Airworthiness Approval6

Date Airworthiness Approval Issued7

RVSM Approval6

Date RVSM Approval Issued7

RVSM Procedures approved in 8

EUR __

NAT __

PAC __

MID __

OTHER __

Date of Expiry of RVSM Approval (if any)7

Remarks9


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APPENDIX 5

FORM F5

WITHDRAWAL OF APPROVAL TO OPERATE IN

RVSM AIRSPACE

Immediately the ICAA has cause to withdraw the RVSM approval of an operator/aircraft for

operations within any Regional RVSM airspace, details as requested below must be

submitted to the Regional Monitoring Agency (RMA) by the most expedient method. Before

providing the information as requested below, reference should be made to the

accompanying notes at Appendix 3.

State of Registry

1

Name of Operator2

State of Operator1

Aircraft Type3


Manufacturers Serial/Construction No

Registration


Date of Withdrawal of RVSM Approval7

Reason for Withdrawal of RVSM Approval9

Remarks9