Definition
A designation indicating that an aircraft and its operator have received specific authorization from the FAA to operate in Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace, which is the airspace between FL290 and FL410 where vertical separation between aircraft is reduced from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet. To be RVSM approved, the aircraft must meet defined altitude-keeping equipment standards, and the operator must have approved maintenance and training programs.
Plain English
The aircraft and operator have been officially cleared by the FAA to fly in the band of high-altitude airspace where planes are stacked just 1,000 feet apart instead of 2,000 feet apart. This requires very accurate altitude equipment and approved procedures.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument procedures, high-altitude route planning, RNAV departure notes, and clearances that involve flight above about 29,000 feet.
Derivation
RVSM stands for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum. 'Approved' here means formally authorized by the FAA — not simply 'allowed' in a casual sense. The term reflects that this is a regulatory permission, not just an aircraft capability.
Why Pilots Care
Determines whether the aircraft can use the more efficient high-altitude routes that rely on reduced vertical spacing.
Intuition Check
Approved does not just mean the airplane is capable of climbing that high. Here it means the aircraft, operator, equipment, maintenance, and procedures meet the requirements for RVSM operations.
Example Sentence 1
Because the aircraft is RVSM approved, the crew filed a cruise altitude of FL370 for the cross-country leg.
Example Sentence 2
Aircraft that are not RVSM approved must remain below FL290 to maintain standard separation.