RVSM query
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: india
RVSM query
Hi
I just gave my ATPL Oral exam with Indian DGCA , the examiner asked me this question , Can anyone please tell me the right answer for this one :
You are flying in a RVSM airspace and your Auto Pilot goes off , you have to fly the a/c manually , at the same time your communication with Ground Control is disrupted, you can talk to other A/C's but not ATC.......now what should we do ?
I just gave my ATPL Oral exam with Indian DGCA , the examiner asked me this question , Can anyone please tell me the right answer for this one :
You are flying in a RVSM airspace and your Auto Pilot goes off , you have to fly the a/c manually , at the same time your communication with Ground Control is disrupted, you can talk to other A/C's but not ATC.......now what should we do ?
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 110
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From: india
That definitely sounds like a reasonable way to get out of the situation , i wonder why i didn't think of using the other pilots help in this .
Just extending the scenario here for my knowledge , if the Radio is a complete failure and Auto pilot goes off then what do we do ?
Just extending the scenario here for my knowledge , if the Radio is a complete failure and Auto pilot goes off then what do we do ?
Joined: Aug 1998
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
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From: Ex-pat Aussie in the UK
in this situation would you implement the 'sqwawk 7600' rule
Joined: Jun 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
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From: OZ
How I would handle this set of problems is first, get off the RVSM airway as per Jepp charts - 5nm I think. Then establish comms with the relevant authority, by relay if necessary, and obtain an appropriate clearance reflecting your now non RVSM compliant status. By definition you are non RVSM without an autopilot with a serviceable height lock.
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Uh... Where was I?
RVSM airspace is very generic, if you are not in an airway but in a direct routing to a waypoint, instead, you can't but keep tracking to it.
It is mainly a comms problem. Solve it by relayed messages to ATC to obtain a revised clearance, then comply with it.
If the comm problem is a lost comm (radios inop) then that is your main problem and you have to keep last assigned FL, etc, etc... even if you are not RVSM. Or would you carry out a specific airspace contingency procedure (such as NAT, for instance) to go off airway then descend to non RVSM flight level knowing that you cannot establish radio contact with anybody?
It is mainly a comms problem. Solve it by relayed messages to ATC to obtain a revised clearance, then comply with it.
If the comm problem is a lost comm (radios inop) then that is your main problem and you have to keep last assigned FL, etc, etc... even if you are not RVSM. Or would you carry out a specific airspace contingency procedure (such as NAT, for instance) to go off airway then descend to non RVSM flight level knowing that you cannot establish radio contact with anybody?
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: In-between
Yash, I agree with Microburst2002.
Don't leave FL unnecessarily.
Try and relay your 'Negative RVSM' status.
Fly accurately.
When ATC is in picture, they will establish separation based on the situation (minimum 2000ft separation). They are at liberty to change your FL to achieve this.
Descend out of FL.... only when you cannot maintain FL e.g. engine failure, pressurisation failure etc.
Importantly, AIP on the subject is a- must read.
Don't leave FL unnecessarily.
Try and relay your 'Negative RVSM' status.
Fly accurately.
When ATC is in picture, they will establish separation based on the situation (minimum 2000ft separation). They are at liberty to change your FL to achieve this.
Descend out of FL.... only when you cannot maintain FL e.g. engine failure, pressurisation failure etc.
Importantly, AIP on the subject is a- must read.
