Reduced Vertical Separation Minimums

The U.S. domestic reduced vertical separation minimums (DRVSM) program has reduced the vertical separation from the traditional 2,000-foot minimum to a 1,000-foot minimum above FL 290, which allows aircraft to fly a more optimal profile, thereby saving fuel while increasing airspace capacity. The FAA has implemented DRVSM between FL 290 and FL 410 (inclusive) in the airspace of the contiguous 48 states, Alaska, and in Gulf of Mexico airspace where the FAA provides air traffic services. DRVSM is expected to result in fuel savings for the airlines of as much as $5 billion by 2016. Full DRVSM adds six additional usable altitudes above FL 290 to those available using the former vertical separation minimums. DRVSM users experience increased benefits nationwide, similar to those already achieved in oceanic areas where RVSM is operational. In domestic airspace, however, operational differences create unique challenges. Domestic U.S. airspace contains a wider variety of aircraft types, higher-density traffic, and an increased percentage of climbing and descending traffic. This, in conjunction with an intricate route structure with numerous major crossing points, creates a more demanding environment for the implementation of DRVSM than that experienced in applying RVSM on international oceanic routes. As more flights increase demands on our finite domestic airspace, DRVSM helps to reduce fuel burn and departure delays and increases flight level availability, airspace capacity, and controller flexibility.