Originally Posted by
Potsie Weber
According to the report, they notified ATC they could not meet RVSM requirements once in cruise, but the requirements for RVSM (automatic altitude hold system) must be met before entering RVSM airspace. They had the problem before they entered RVSM.
RVSM really shouldn't apply in Australia, except maybe MEL-SYD_BNE at peak hours. So Potsie suggests they should have cancelled the flight because they may not meet the requirements of reduced separation operations in a country that is totally empty of aircraft?.They did exactly the right thing. Incidentally I have never heard of management or engineering encouraging a turn back regardless of the severity of the problem.