Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) EASA Continuing Airworthiness Considerations

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Concerning Operational Approval

Ref - AMC3 SPA.RVSM.105 RVSM operational approval (ED Decision 2017/009/R)

a. Maintenance programme

The aircraft maintenance programme should include the instructions for continuing airworthiness issued by the type certificate holder in relation to the RVSM operations certification in accordance with AMC1 ACNS.A.GEN.010. 

(CS ACNS.A.GEN.010 Instructions for continued airworthiness - Instructions for continued airworthiness for each system, part or appliance as specified in this CS ACNS and any information related to the interface of those systems, parts or appliances with the aircraft are to be provided.) 

b. Continuing airworthiness procedures

Consider whether your current RVSM Procedures (CAME or Other Documentation?) reflects the following elements:

The continuing airworthiness procedures should establish a process to:

1) Assess any modification or design change which in any way affects the RVSM approval
2) Evaluate any repairs that may affect the integrity of the continuing RVSM approval, e.g. those affecting the alignment of pitot/static probes, repairs to dents, or deformation around static plates
3) Ensure the proper maintenance of airframe geometry for proper surface contours and the mitigation of altimetry system error, surface measurements or skin waviness as specified in the instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA), to ensure adherence to RVSM tolerances

Note 1 - These checks should be performed following repairs or alterations having an effect on airframe surface and airflow.

Training Requirements! 

Note 2 - Reference the following paragraphs EASA identifies as a possible requirement - Who determines in your organisation? - Based on what criteria? Training Needs Analysis (TNA).

c. Additional training may be necessary for continuing airworthiness and maintenance staff to support RVSM approval

Areas that may need to be highlighted for the initial and recurrent training of relevant personnel are: 

○ Aircraft geometric inspection techniques
○ Test equipment calibration and use of that equipment
○ Any special instructions or procedures introduced for RVSM approval

d. Test equipment

The operator should ensure that maintenance organisations use test equipment adequate for the maintenance of the RVSM systems.

The adequacy of the test equipment should be established in accordance with the type certificate holder recommendations and taking into consideration the required test equipment accuracy and the test equipment calibration.

Further Guidance

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) and SofemaOnline (SOL) are pleased to offer a range of EASA compliant regulatory training courses in support of Multiple Regulatory Compliance and Competence Development including RVSM. For details or inquiries please email office@sassofia.com or online@sassofia.com