Guys,

   Just wanted to remind you all that the DRVSM (domestic reduced vertical separation minimum) starts this week.  It won't affect most of you, but for those of you who fly at or above FL290 it will.  Basically, you won't be able to fly above FL280, so don't even file it, you won't get it.  There are certain exception airplanes such as a Lifeguard flight, foreign or us military, or test flights that may be approved into the airspace, but you won't be able to just call your local ATC guy and ask for FL290, not even to just get over a thunderstorm.  That airspace will be off limits 24 hrs per day to all airplanes except the ones that are certified to go into that airspace, and the average cost to certify an airplane is something around $100,000.00.  I say average, because there are some airplanes that cost much more than that, and a few that cost less.   There is one other exception to the rule that you might be able to pull off and get into that airspace, and that is that aircraft manufacture test flights will be allowed.  You are the manufacture' of your Lancair, and if you need to go up there to test your engine, or whatever, then that "might" work.   The only other way into that airspace, isn't really into it but rather through it, and that is to fly at or above FL410, and you will have to be able to go right to 410, no step climbs.   

   For those who might not have heard about this happening, the minimum separation standard now is 2000' above FL290, and with RVSM, the minimum will be 1000', in other words there will be 5 more altitudes available - FL300, FL320, FL340, FL360, and FL380, then back to 2000' above FL390. 

Ron Galbraith

LNCE - N5ES