RVSM Operational Concept - Implementation of RVSM in the AFI Region By G.C Anusonwu

I want to use this beautiful opportunity, where a cream of Air Traffic Controllers / Managers are present to make some comments on the implementation of RVSM in the AFI Region as the RVSM National Program Manager.

If everything is equal, it is expected that come 19th January 2006, the African and Indian Ocean airspace will join the rest of the world to introduce the new RVSM concept.

As Air Traffic Controllers/Managers, you are at the center of the new development in the industry. It is therefore expedient for me to highlight some of the RVSM operational concepts, gains and conditionalities that are basic.

1. RVSM OPERATIONAL CONCEPT
   The Principal concept behind the implementation of RVSM in the AFI Region is the reduction of Vertical Separation Minimum (VSM) between adjacent aircraft from 2000ft to 1000ft between FL290 - FL410 inclusive.

2. GAINS
   

   • Provide 6 additional cruising levels in air traffic management
   • Increase the capacity of the ATM system
   • Facilitate the task of ATS in maintaining a safe, orderly, and expeditions flow of traffic.
   • It is expected that the capacity and system benefits of RVSM will be facilitating the ATC functions, and also have the potential for possible safety benefits. (e.g. E/W F/L, CNS/ATM Introduction)

3. CONDITINALITIES

   • RVSM shall be applied between RVSM approved A/C within the airspace of the designated RVSM airspace.
   • Operators proposing to operate across the lateral limits of the RVSM airspace shall be required to indicate on FFPs, their RVSM status.
   • Except within the AFI RVSM Transitional Airspace, non-RVSM approved A/C, other than State A/C, shall not be permitted to operate within RVSM airspace.
   • For the transition between RVSM and non-RVSM airspace, specific procedures shall be established to facilitate the safe transition between RVSM and non-RVSM airspace.
   • The transition tasks shall be accomplished so as to make RVSM operators transparent to adjacent non-RVSM regions. (Coordination mgts + LOA with adjacent FIR)
   • The RVSM program requires that specific training for aircrew and ATC staff shall be performed prior to the start of RVSM operations. (Zonal seminars, 30 to be trained in NCAT)
   • The program also requires ATC equipment and procedures to be modified according to specific program requirements prior to the start of RVSM operations. (CNS/ATM, TRACON Simulators at the ACCs).

The success of RVSM in the State of Nigeria depends on you, the Air Traffic Controllers/Managers. The other major Stakeholders are absolutely complementary. You must therefore be used to the challenges that will arise after the implementation. You must cope with the various contingencies that will emerge. Thirty (30) Air Traffic Controllers shall receive their RVSM training in NCAT Zaria before the end of the year 2005, from the two ACCs at Kano & Lagos.

Future Area Controllers shall receive their RVSM training in the course of their formal Procedural Area training in Zaria.

The TO date for the implementation of RVSM in the AFI Region, is still subject to a few safety assessment factors. It is however hoped that before the GO/NO GO meeting scheduled for 10-12 October 2005 in Lagos, Nigeria, all the safety caps shall be put on.

Remember AFI Region is the last ICAO Region to implement RVSM in the world. It has therefore become very necessary and even mandatory to follow the rest of the Aviation world.