RVSM and transition altitudes

[thansson]

"This was alluded to in another thread so I wanted to get some clarifications... Does anyone know what parts of the world use RVSM? I know North America does as well as Europe? Who else? And on a related topic; who uses a "standard" transition altitude of 18000 feet? Again, I know North America does (except parts of northern Canada which uses standard altitmeter all over). How about Japan and Australia? The charts I have for Tokyo and Sydney don't list a TA which implies that there is a standard one but I just wanted to make sure... Thanks..."

[yoni63]

"Thomas, not sure, but I remember seeing something about some places assign the TA? Someone jump in there, cuz I am not sure. I know it varies in areas and is posted sometimes..."

[Marcano]

"Hi guys, About Australia TA (10000'), I have some charts that maybe help you out: About Japan TA (14000'), check this out: The TA's must be posted in the SID or STAR charts. If you have some update charts with somthing different, please let me know About RVSM Airspace in Japan and some other places, I found this on the Web... maybe it is not updated beause it was published in 2004: "Japan’s RVSM Implementation Plan for the Tokyo and Naha FIRs 3.1 Japan provided information on their planning requirements to introduce RVSM in the non-oceanic airspace of the Tokyo and Naha FIRs. International flights in Japan mainly use Narita and Kansai airports, and there were approximately 450 and 310 per day respectively using these airports. On the other hand, the primary domestic airports were Tokyo (Haneda), Fukuoka and Nagoya and the traffic volume was about 780, 390 and 330 per day, respectively at these three airports. The total number of flights in the Tokyo and Naha FIRs were about 3,700 per day including about 1,000 international flights. 3.2 The international traffic flow had two peak periods, one in the morning with departures and arrivals to/from South-East Asia, and a second peak in the afternoon with arrivals from North America (departures in the evening). 3.3 Focusing on one typical sector of the Tokyo ACC, Kanto East Sector, this sector usually controls traffic for departures/arrivals to/from Narita Airport and overflights for North America and Hawaii. In the afternoon, many arrivals at Narita Airport and overflights originating in North America, operate into the Kanto East Sector via oceanic sectors. At times a controller deals simultaneously with more than 10 inbound flights to Narita Airport and more than 5 overflights bound for Kansai, Taipei and Hong Kong, etc. 3.4 Because at present in Japan RVSM airspace was only being applied in oceanic airspace, all westbound traffic entering the domestic airspace at even flight levels must transition to standard levels such as FL310, FL350 or FL390. With RVSM implemented in domestic airspace, this would remove the transition requirement, create greater airspace capacity and enhance safety and efficiency. 3.5 Japan updated the meeting on RVSM implementation progress with a target date of 9 June 2005. The planned flight level stratum was from FL290 to FL410 inclusive utilizing the single alternate flight level orientation scheme (FLOS). The RVSM airspace would be defined as exclusive airspace with the exception of some special flights. The number of RVSM approved aircraft were currently about 70 percent, but this was expected to exceed 94 percent by the implementation date." This information was take it from here: http://www.icao.int/icao/en/ro/apac/200 ... rvsm%22%22 And there is more information: Take it from: http://www.faa.gov/ats/ato/150_docs/RVS ... Report.doc I hope this help a little bit... Regards!"

[Marcano]

I just found this... here is very well explained everything about RVSM Status World-wide: http://www.faa.gov/ATS/ato/status_ww.htm Regards