Background

The introduction of Reduced Vertical Separation Minima in Europe in 2002 provided an additional 6 flight levels above 29000 ft, by replacing 2000 ft vertical separation with 1000 ft. In addition to increasing capacity, RVSM also provided environmental benefits by permitting aircraft to fly at more fuel efficient levels.

The cost of introducing this reduced vertical separation was a strict process of certification, approval and monitoring of altimetry system performance. The role of confirming both the approval status of aircraft and the altimetry system performance is the responsibility of the European Regional Monitoring Agency (RMA).

EUR RMA

The EUR RMA was established at EUROCONTROL in 2003 by the Permanent Commission at the request of the ICAO European Air Navigation Planning Group.

An RMA supports the implementation and continued safe use of Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) within designated airspace. An RMA can be summarized as having five primary functions: