Non-RVSM Aircraft Requesting Climb to and Descent from Flight Levels Above RVSM Airspace Without Intermediate Level Off

(a) File-and-Fly. Operators of Non-RVSM aircraft climbing to and descending from RVSM flight levels should just file a flight plan.

(b) Non-RVSM aircraft climbing to and descending from flight levels above RVSM airspace will be handled on a workload permitting basis. The vertical separation standard applied in RVSM airspace between non-RVSM aircraft and all other aircraft must be 2,000 feet.

(c) Non-RVSM aircraft climbing to/descending from RVSM airspace can only be considered for accommodation provided:

(1) Aircraft is capable of a continuous climb/descent and does not need to level off at an intermediate altitude for any operational considerations and

(2) Aircraft is capable of climb/descent at the normal rate for the aircraft.

(d) Required Pilot Calls. The pilot of non-RVSM aircraft will inform the controller of the lack of RVSM approval in accordance with the direction provided in paragraph 4-6-8 , Pilot/Controller Phraseology.