If experiencing moderate to severe turbulence while operating in RVSM airspace, what is the flight crew and ATC expected to do?
If the aircraft can maintain its cleared flight level, the RVSM flight status remains unchanged, and ATC will continue to consider the aircraft to be RVSM approved. However, if the pilot believes that the aircraft will not be able to maintain its cleared flight level, the pilot is required to inform ATC as soon as practicable, using the phraseology “UNABLE RVSM DUE TURBULENCE”. ATC is required to establish an appropriate horizontal separation or an increased minimum vertical separation. Additionally, ATC shall, to the extent possible, accommodate pilot requests for flight level and/or route changes, and shall provide traffic information, as required.
