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This glossary is written for virtual airline and flight simulation use within Virtual Air Canada Airline. It is not intended as a real-world aviation reference.
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum is the application of 1,000 ft vertical separation between aircraft operating between FL290 and FL410, reduced from the previous standard of 2,000 ft that applied throughout that altitude band. RVSM was introduced progressively in oceanic and continental airspace from the mid-1990s onward to effectively double the number of available cruise flight levels and increase airspace capacity without expanding radar infrastructure. The North Atlantic, European, and North American airspace blocks completed RVSM implementation between 1997 and 2005. To operate in RVSM airspace, aircraft must meet specific altimetry accuracy requirements and be approved by their national civil aviation authority. Approval requires the aircraft’s altimetry system to maintain altitude within plus or minus 65 ft of the cleared level under normal conditions and no more than 245 ft in all conditions (the total vertical error budget). Flight crews must have completed RVSM familiarization training and operators must hold an RVSM authorization on their operating certificate. Non-RVSM-approved aircraft (certain older or non-turbine types) may not operate in the RVSM flight level band without a special exemption, and ATC applies 2,000 ft separation to such aircraft.

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In Virtual Airline Operations

At Virtual Air Canada Airline, all aircraft types used in the fleet are RVSM-capable, and all cruise operations between FL290 and FL410 assume 1,000 ft vertical separation. On VATSIM, ATC applies RVSM standards by default in covered airspace. Pilots should verify their simulator aircraft’s RVSM certification status and ensure altitude hold systems are functioning correctly when operating at high cruise levels.
  • NAT HLA - North Atlantic High Level Airspace
  • OFP - Operational Flight Plan
  • QNH - Altimeter Setting (MSL)