The altitude keeping ability of each aircraft operating in RVSM airspace is key to the safety of the system.  Since  the system was implemented in January 2005, there have been very few if any problems with the system.  The manufacturer or STC holder set forth standards called Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA’s) with original certification to ensure the equipment remains within tolerance.

Well, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), has determined that each aircraft that wants to continue to operate in RVSM airspace must be recertified.  This process was approved and placed into international law on November 18, 2010 and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) adopted the process without public debate.  What does this mean to you and me?  It means that each aircraft that operates in RVSM airspace will have to to through the original certification requirements all over again.  The implementation date went into effect on May 18, 2011 and compliance will be required by November 18, 2012.  Each operator will be required to fill out an application as to how they plan on complying with the new requirement.  It can be accomplished by doing the original GMU testing or by flying over one of the designated monitoring units.  Once accomplished and monitoring results accepted by the FAA, you will start the clock on the next time it will be required again.  The continued compliance will require the aircraft go through this process every 2 years or 1000 hours of aircraft operations, whichever is greater.

For a system that has had few if any problems at all, this is a huge waste of time and money.  The cost of maintaining compliance will be in the thousands.  Figure it out for yourself, you have to contract with someone who is certified in GMU testing, pay his expenses to come to your location, pay his normal fee for the test and then fly the plane.  The flight must take place in RVSM airspace so you have to climb to at least 29,000 feet, fly straight and level for 30 minutes turn around and go back to your departure airport.   Please contact the FAA with your comments on this issue.  The responsible person in the FAA for this process is:  Mr. Steve Smoot and he can be reached at 1-202-863-0865.