Question

In terms of same direction traffic:

What is the vertical separation ground to FL290?
Above FL290 (Non-RVSM)?
Above FL290 (RVSM)?

Answer 1

The standard vertical separation for same direction traffic is 1,000 feet up to FL290, 2,000 feet above FL290 in non-RVSM airspace, and remains at 1,000 feet within RVSM airspace between FL290 and FL410.

Step-by-step explanation:

In terms of same direction traffic, the standard vertical separation between aircraft is as follows:

• From the ground up to FL290 (Flight Level 290, approximately 29,000 feet), the required vertical separation is 1,000 feet.
• Above FL290 and not within a Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace, the required vertical separation increases to 2,000 feet to ensure safety due to the reduced accuracy of altimetry equipment at higher altitudes.
• Within RVSM airspace, which typically lies between FL290 and FL410 (41,000 feet), the vertical separation minimum is reduced back to 1,000 feet, allowing for more efficient use of airspace and increased traffic capacity. This is because aircraft operating in RVSM airspace are equipped with more precise altimetry equipment and autopilot systems.