AIM 8/15/19  1/30/20 Transponder Failure Pilot will: Controller will: GLYPH<C0083> Contact ATC and request authority to continue to operate at cleared flight level GLYPH<C0083> Comply with revised ATC clearance, if issued GLYPH<C0083> Consider request to continue to operate at cleared flight level GLYPH<C0083> Issue revised clearance, if necessary NOTE − 14 CFR Section 91.215 (ATC transponder and altitude reporting equipment and use) regulates operation with the transponder inoperative. 4 − 6 − 9 Operational Policy/Procedures for Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) in the Domestic U.S., Alaska, Offshore Airspace and the San Juan FIR Subject to FAA approval and clearance, the following categories of non − RVSM aircraft may operate in domestic U.S. RVSM airspace provided they have an operational transponder. 1. The RVSM mandate calls for only RVSM authorized aircraft/operators to fly in designated RVSM airspace with limited exceptions. The policies detailed below are intended exclusively for use by aircraft that the FAA has agreed to accommodate. They are not intended to provide other operators a means to circumvent the normal RVSM approval process. 2. If the operator is not authorized or the aircraft is not RVSM − compliant, the aircraft will be referred to as a “non − RVSM” aircraft. 14 CFR Section 91.180 and Part 91, Appendix G, enable the FAA to authorize a deviation to operate a non − RVSM aircraft in RVSM airspace. 3. Non − RVSM aircraft flights will be handled on a workload permitting basis. The vertical separation standard applied between aircraft not approved for RVSM and all other aircraft must be 2,000 feet. 4. Required Pilot Calls. The pilot of non − RVSM aircraft will inform the controller of the lack of RVSM approval in accordance with the direction provided in Paragraph 4 − 6 − 8, Pilot/Controller Phraseology. 1. LOA/MOU. Enter into a Letter of Agree- ment (LOA)/Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the RVSM facility (the Air Traffic facility that provides air traffic services in RVSM airspace). Operators must comply with LOA/MOU. 2. File − and − Fly. File a flight plan to notify the FAA of their intention to request access to RVSM airspace. Priority for access to RVSM airspace will be afforded to RVSM compliant aircraft, then File − and − Fly flights. 4. Aircraft climbing/descending through RVSM flight levels (without intermediate level off) to/from FLs above RVSM airspace (Policies for these flights are detailed in Paragraph 4 − 6 − 11, Non − RVSM Aircraft Requesting Climb to and Descent from Flight Levels Above RVSM Airspace Without Intermediate Level Off. 5. Foreign State (government) aircraft. c. Methods for operators of non − RVSM aircraft to request access to RVSM Airspace. Operators may: 3. Active air ambulance flights utilizing a “MEDEVAC” call sign. 2. Flights conducted for aircraft certification and development purposes. 1. Department of Defense (DOD) aircraft. b. Categories of Non − RVSM Aircraft that may be Accommodated 4 − 6 − 10. Procedures for Accommodation of Non RVSM Aircraft a. General Policies for Accommodation of Non − RVSM Aircraft NOTE −