Hey guys,
What is the vertical separation minimum below 30,000 ft?
a. 500 ft.
b. 1,000 ft.
c. 2,000 ft.
d. It depends whether or not RVSM is applied.
The correct answer is; b. 1,000 ft, and the reference states:
The vertical separation minimum (VSM) is:
• Within designated airspace (subject to RAN agreement (RVSM)), a nominal 300m (1,000 ft) below FL 410 or a higher level where so prescribed for use under specified conditions, and a nominal 600m (2,000 ft) at or above this level and; and
• Within all other airspace: a nominal 300m (1,000 ft) below FL 290 and a nominal 600m (2,000 ft) at or above this level.
This however doesn’t appear to coincide with the flight levels stated in the ICAO tables (the semi circular rule), in which case you can have an east bound VFR flight on FL 35, a west bound VFR flight on FL 45 and a west bound IFR flight on FL 40, giving a vertical separation of 500 ft.
Am I missing something here?