ARINC has announced a program that will help corporate aircraft operators assemble the lengthy and detailed applications required for RVSM operational approvals from the FAA. RVSM, or Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum airspace, is expected to go into effect over North America in January, 2005. The FAA is scheduled to sign the rule this summer. Many business aircraft will need RVSM instrument modifications and height monitoring flights, and all aircraft will need operational approvals in order to fly in the new RVSM airspace at or above 29,000 feet. About 6,000 North American business aircraft are affected.

ARINC recently completed the required FAA approval document packages for several height monitoring customers. "This is clearly a much-needed service," states Dave Poltorak, Vice President for ARINC DirectSM Business Aviation Services. "Along with our six years of RVSM experience, it means ARINC Direct offers true one-stop shopping for the RVSM needs of business aviation."

Operational approval for RVSM requires aircraft operators to supply written answers covering 23 FAA "areas." These areas include changes to the airframe, changes in the operating procedures, and re-training of aircrew, maintenance, and line personnel to meet the new demands of RVSM operation.

Answers must be supplied in the required FAA format, addressed to inspectors at the customer's local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). ARINC personnel attended the FAA's training sessions along with FSDO staffs to learn about the content and format of the approval documents. ARINC Direct charges a flat fee to prepare the document package. "Then we stick with the customer until they obtain operational approval," says Poltorak. "There is no extra charge for our ongoing attention and support."

The company will also prepare approval packages as an outsource service for aircraft manufacturers or modification companies. "We're pricing this important work competitively, as a service to business aviation," Poltorak adds.
 
ARINC Direct maintains a state-of-the-art service facility for business aircraft at Colorado Springs (COS), plus a 24x7 operations center to support business aviation. The company offers RVSM flight monitoring from six locations in the U.S. and Canada, and has performed 3600 RVSM monitoring flights. It also performed RVSM modifications for the FAA's own aircraft.

FMI: www.arinc.com