A Brief Overview of the RVSM, SAO Airspace, NextGen, & MEL Approval Process:

Over the course of 14 years, SourceOne Aviation Compliance has prepared over 4000 LOA & OpSpec applications and experienced a 100% success rate for all FAA/EASA applications for RVSM, SAO Airspace, NextGen, and Aircraft Minimum Equipment Lists for 14 CFR 91 & 135 for both owners and operators.

The FAA FSDO or Civil Aviation Authority will assign Aviation Safety Inspectors with Avionics, Maintenance, & Operations Experience as a team to Inspect each RVSM Application. The FAA will require the following verification’s for each Operator in each RVSM application during the RVSM Approval Process which can take from 2 weeks and longer depending on each office’s individual workload. Each Operator should ascertain the time frame by contacting their FAA regional office.

Summary of the RVSM, SAO Airspace, NextGen application & approval process:

1.) Aircraft Supporting Airworthiness Documentation:

In-Service Aircraft as applicable: SB (Service Bulletin), STC (Supplemental Type Certificate), ASC (Aircraft Service Change), or SL (Service Letter), and Form 337. These are documents normally associated with the AFM (Airplane Flight Manual) Supplemental Information.

Aircraft that are Manufactured Compliant AFM, AFM Supplement, TCDS (Type Certification Data Sheet)

2.) MEL: For Operators operating under an MEL or MMEL that complies with the requirements of GC-059

3.) Supporting Aircraft Maintenance Certification Documentation 

4.) Flight Crew RVSM Training: Part 142 Training Center, Course of Instruction, In-House Training (Pilot Training Syllabus may be required), and Record of Instruction

5.) Operational Policy, Procedures, or Manuals: Stand-Alone Operations Manual or Section of Operator’s Application documenting Operational Policy and Procedures.

6.) For RVSM Height Monitoring: Method and schedule to complete RVSM Height Monitoring.

7.) LOA or OPSPEC: Issued by the FAA when all criteria is met.