ATI Blog

On 25 Sept 2008, RVSM was implemented in all FIRs throughout Africa and Oceanic airspace controlled by African ACCs. Operators must have RVSM approval from the State of Registry to operate FL290-410 (inclusive).

The Africa RVSM flight level allocation is identical to that used worldwide (China excepted). The Africa RVSM design is taken from JAA TGL6, Rev 1. Like the European implementation of RVSM, Africa requires biennial pilot training and altimetry verification with HMU over-flight.

Equipment requirements for operations in Africa RVSM are identical to European airspace:
a.)    Two primary altitude measuring systems.
b.)    One automatic altitude-control system.
c.)    One altitude-alerting device.
d.)    Operating Transponder (where applicable).

RVSM in Africa may be suspended for greater than moderate turbulence, operation of non-approved (State) aircraft in the airspace or loss of communication with an aircraft in RVSM airspace, In such cases, conventional (2000’) vertical separation will be used.

When equipped with offset capability as part of the FMS, the flight crew may apply Strategic Lateral Offset Procedures (SLOP) in African non-radar airspace. Crews are reminded that SLOP shall be applied only to the right of course at a distance of 1nm or 2nm from centerline.

Since much of Africa has no ATM surveillance, use of the IATA In Flight Broadcast Procedure (IFBP, 126.9 MHz) is strongly recommended to improve situational awareness among pilots.

Published information from African aviation authorities is very difficult to find. The Africa region has not filed special procedures or exceptions from ICAO procedures for RVSM operations or contingencies. Pilots are encouraged to review ICAO lost communication procedures (ICAO Doc. 4444, PANS-ATM, Chapters 8 & 15) and radio phraseology for RVSM (JAA TGL6, Rev. 1).

As of September 25th, Africa has implemented RVSM operations within its airspace.  The changes indicate a vertical separation of aircraft by 1000 ft above Flight Level 290 up to Flight Level 410.  Flight Level 420 will no longer be approved, with the next approved Flight Level within the airspace being 430.  “Operators who do not have approval, and/or whose aircraft are not RVSM certified will be excluded from the RVSM Flight Level Band, being required to operate FL280 or below, or above FL410.”  Proper documentation of RVSM approval, using the ICAO Flight Plan, will be indicated by the letter “W” inserted in item 10, and item 18 will require the aircraft registration.  Non-RVSM approved aircraft should indicate “STS/NON RVSM” in item 18 if requesting a flight level of 290 or above.