Background
In 2002, Europe introduced Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM), allowing for an extra 6 flight levels above 29,000 feet. This change reduced the vertical separation between aircraft from 2,000 feet to just 1,000 feet. Not only did this increase air traffic capacity, but it also helped the environment by enabling planes to fly at more fuel-efficient altitudes. However, implementing this reduced vertical separation required a careful process of certification and monitoring to ensure safety and performance in altimetry systems.
EUR RMA
The European Regional Monitoring Agency (EUR RMA) was set up in 2003 by EUROCONTROL, following a request from the ICAO European Air Navigation Planning Group. The primary role of the RMA is to support the safe implementation and continued use of RVSM in designated airspace. Essentially, the RMA carries out five key functions:
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Establish and maintain a database of RVSM approvals.
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Monitor aircraft height-keeping performance and track large height deviations, reporting results as needed.
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Conduct safety and readiness assessments, providing appropriate reports.
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Ensure operators comply with state approval requirements after RVSM is implemented.
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Initiate necessary corrective actions if RVSM standards are not met.
To assess altimetry system performance, the EUR RMA operates the world’s largest height monitoring infrastructure, generating around 1,000,000 height monitoring results each year. These systems allow the RMA to measure an aircraft’s Altimetry System Error with a margin of about 30 feet.
