Experienced Lancair IVP Drivers,

What are your thoughts and changes in habits with the new rules governing
high alttitude Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums (RVSM)?

I have check the ListServ archives
http://lancaironline.net:80/Lists/lml/List.html for RVSM and found only a
few references, mostly to Chelton.

RVSM and its applicable FAR 91.706 appears headed for initiation 1/20/2005.

I understand that some LIVP pilots will occassionally hop over some
buildups above 29,000'.  When cabin altitude reaches above 12,500', the
oxygen can go on and you continue over the tops.  What's the current
thinking about RVSM as it relates to this practice and our high flying
Lancairs?

Jeff Liegner

http://www.faa.gov/ats/ato/rvsm1.htm
The goal of RVSM is to reduce the vertical separation above flight level
(FL) 290 from the current 2000-ft minimum to 1000-ft minimum. This will
allow aircraft to safely fly more optimum profiles, gain fuel savings and
increase airspace capacity. The process of safely changing this separation
standard requires a study to assess the actual performance of airspace
users under the current separation (2000-ft) and potential performance
under the new standard (1000-ft).
http://www.faa.gov/ats/ato/aircraft_certification.htm
http://www.faa.gov/ats/ato/drvsm/default.asp
The planned implementation date/time is January 20, 2005 at 0901 UTC.