Airspace where specific approvals are required

Below is a list of the airspace mentioned and their general requirements. All require specific approval from the aircraft's state of registry before receiving approval (license) to fly in this airspace. The airspaces overlap each other and are therefore, considered as one for the purposes of certifying aircraft equipment, crew training, and approval (license) to operate in the area.

There is no radar to separate aircraft flying over the North Atlantic. Aircraft and crews, therefore, must be certified, trained, and approved to fly in this airspace. The intent of these stringent requirements is to prevent mid-air collisions over the North Atlantic which is the busiest airspace in the world.

R.V.S.M. (RVSM)

Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums. It refers to the airspace from 29,000 feet to 41,000 feet over the U.S.A and everywhere else in the world. This airspace allows vertical separation of aircraft by 1,000 feet. All other airspace requires 2,000 feet. In order for any aircraft to fly in this airspace, it must have the equipment and authorization by the airplane's state of registry. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration is the civilian authority that issues authorization for flights in this airspace.

N.A.T.

North Atlantic Tracks. These are highways in the sky designated by Air Traffic Control for aircraft flying from North America to Europe and vice versa. The Tracks change daily depending on winds. Flight crews must receive International Procedures training and aircraft must be equipped with long range navigation and communication gear as required by MNPS below. Additionally, approval by the FAA or country where aircraft is registered is required before being allowed to fly in this airspace.

M.N.P.S.

Minimum Navigation Performance Specification Airspace. Means the navigation equipment onboard aircraft must meet certain criteria to provide for safe separation of aircraft. Refers to airspace in the North Atlantic Region between 28,500 feet and 42,000 feet and generally between New York, Newfoundland, and Ireland. As noted above, approval by the FAA or country where aircraft is registered is required before being allowed to fly in this airspace.

Last Updated on Monday, 23 November 2009 17:09