Plain English Meaning

A rule that lets properly equipped aircraft fly with only 1,000 feet of vertical space between them at high altitudes, instead of the older 2,000-foot gap. This frees up more usable altitudes and reduces traffic congestion up high.

Full Definition

An airspace standard that reduces the required vertical spacing between aircraft from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet at flight levels FL290 through FL410 inclusive. To operate in RVSM airspace, both the aircraft and the operator must be specifically authorized, with approved altitude-keeping equipment and procedures that meet defined accuracy standards.

Context Anchor

Seen in IFR route planning, high-altitude discussions, , and for flight levels between and FL 410.