Frequently Asked Questions
Everything that you need to know about RVSM Monitoring
For specific questions or additional information please contact a RVSM Team Member.
1. What is Monitoring?
Monitoring supports the safety assessment and safety oversight function that is required with RVSM implementation.
2. Is monitoring required?
Yes, an operator must meet the minimum monitoring requirements established by its State authority to maintain their RVSM approval status.
3. How often must an aircraft be complete an RVSM flight to maintain approval status?
In order to maintain RVSM approval status, all aircraft approved for RVSM operations must complete an RVSM monitoring flight every two (2) years or 1,000 flight hours (whichever period is longer).
4. When should I get my aircraft monitored?
Operators must conduct initial monitoring within six months of date of issue and must conduct monitoring every two years or 1,000 flight hours per aircraft, whichever period is longer.
5. How can I get my aircraft monitored?
Aircraft can be monitored for RVSM by scheduling an E2GMU flight or by overflying a ground-based monitoring station. Aircraft not equipped with a Mode S transponder must complete an E2GMU monitoring flight.
6. How much does a RVSM monitoring flight cost?
The cost of a RVSM monitoring flight varies depending on factors, which include monitoring location and technician time. CSSI can perform an RVSM monitoring flight anywhere worldwide; the average cost for a CSSI technician to travel to your location and perform a flight is $3,000.00. CSSI also offers operators a local flight from a base of operations airport for a CSSI RVSM technician at a reduced cost. Contact the CSSI RVSM Team to request an estimate
7. How do I schedule an E2GMU monitoring flight?
To schedule a RVSM monitoring flight contact the CSSI RVSM Team at monitor@cssiinc.com or call 866 GMU-8111 or 202 554-1050.
8. How much lead time do I need to schedule a RVSM monitoring flight?
Typically, a monitoring flight can be scheduled with 24 hours from the date of request.
9. How long does it take to conduct a RVSM monitoring flight?
A typical monitoring flight should take no more than two hours (start to finish). The CSSI RVSM Monitoring Technician will temporarily set up the E2GMU in your aircraft (this takes approximately 15 minutes) and will need to collect approximately 30 minutes of data at straight and level flight within RVSM airspace (FL290-410).
10. What is required to conduct a RVSM monitoring flight?
The basic requirements to conduct a monitoring flight are:
-
30 minutes of straight and level flight at FL290-410 inclusive
- Aircraft Must have unobstructed window access (cabin or flight deck) for E2GMU GPS antenna mounting. 1 to 2 GPS Antennas are temporarily mounted on the inside of window(s) with suction cups.
- Pre-flight access to cabin to setup E2GMU and obtain Satellite Signal approximately 15 minutes prior to taxi to set up equipment)
- Limited access to flight crew by monitoring technician for transponder code changes and flight information
11. How long will it take to get the results of my RVSM monitoring flight?
CSSI completes the initial processing of the data collected during a monitoring flight typically within two (2) business days. Once the data is processed at CSSI, it is forwarded to the ICAO Regional Monitoring Authority (RMA) for final altimetry system error (ASE) calculation. CSSI has an approved memo notification process to notify the operators of the status of their data throughout the entire GMS process. Upon completion of the final ASE results, for US registered aircraft the FAA will update the US RVSM approvals page with the date of your last successful RVSM monitoring flight; for Non-US registered aircraft the RMA will provide the results of the successful monitoring flight to the operator’s State authority.