What is the purpose of RVSM?

The purpose of Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) is to reduce the vertical separation of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) traffic. By allowing aircraft to operate at altitudes that are only 1,000 feet apart instead of the previous 2,000 feet, RVSM significantly increases the efficiency of airspace use. This initiative was particularly beneficial in airspace that is congested, as it enables more aircraft to be safely accommodated at higher altitudes.

This reduction in vertical separation helps to optimize flight levels for aircraft, allowing them to climb to the most efficient altitudes while still maintaining safety standards. RVSM requires specific equipment and operational procedures to ensure that aircraft can maintain accurate altitude assignments and that pilots can monitor their altitude effectively. This is critical for maintaining safe operations in an environment where an increasing number of aircraft are navigating the same airspace.

Other options focus on separation methods or traffic management strategies that do not align with RVSM's core objective of enhancing vertical separation efficiency among IFR traffic specifically.