Is TCAS II required for RVSM?

[HawkerF/O]

I say yes. It is my understanding that the United States does not have RVSM, they have DRVSM. It is because of the "D" (Domestic) that the requirement for TCAS II does not apply here in the states, but if you were to go to Europe for example, where they have full blown RVSM, it would in fact, be required. Is this accurate or have I misinformed? Please reference a source on the net if posible, so I can collect on my steak dinner. Thanks

 

[SabreFlyR]

I say yes. It is my understanding that the United States does not have RVSM, they have DRVSM. It is because of the "D" (Domestic) that the requirement for TCAS II does not apply here in the states, but if you were to go to Europe for example, where they have full blown RVSM, it would in fact, be required. Is this accurate or have I misinformed? Please reference a source on the net if posible, so I can collect on my steak dinner. Thanks

I do believe it is now required in Europe, I researched this a couple years ago but I don't remember the exact implementation date. Check out this link, it should have what your looking for.
http://www.eurocontrol.int/msa/public/standard_page/ACAS_Overview.html

 

[FL420]

Yes, with Version 7.0(or later) software.

Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Compatibility With RVSM Operations:
Appendix G to 14 CFR Part 91 requires all TCAS II equipped aircraft operating in RVSM airspace after March 31, 2002 to be equipped with TSO C-119b (Version 7.0), or a later version unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator.

 

[HawkerF/O]

Yes, with Version 7.0(or later) software.

Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Compatibility With RVSM Operations:
Appendix G to 14 CFR Part 91 requires all TCAS II equipped aircraft operating in RVSM airspace after March 31, 2002 to be equipped with TSO C-119b (Version 7.0), or a later version unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator.

OK, but here in the US, we do not do RVSM. We use DRVSM. I have seen RVSM LOAs for aircraft without any TCAS at all. What say you?

 

[Erlanger]

TCAS of any sort is not required for (D)RVSM in the U.S. The only requirement is to advise ATC that you are not TCAS equipped before entering (D)RVSM airspace. You also must notify every controller you talk to while in (D)RVSM airspace of that fact. The previous controller may pass it along to the next one, but it is your responsibility.

 

[CloudyIFR]

http://www.aviationtoday.com/sia/20040101.htm

 

[soarby007]

NO. If you have TCAS II, then you have to have the version 7.0. If you have TCAS I, then you are ok. TCAS II has the mandatory resolution within it and the older versions would require some action to be taken. With the reduced separation of 1,000' you would be diving all over the place. So they modified the system on version 7.0 so that you have a smaller space before deviating. TCAS I does not have the resolution alert system in it and you manually decide if a deviation is necessary.

 

[LJ45]

Yes, with Version 7.0(or later) software.

Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Compatibility With RVSM Operations:
Appendix G to 14 CFR Part 91 requires all TCAS II equipped aircraft operating in RVSM airspace after March 31, 2002 to be equipped with TSO C-119b (Version 7.0), or a later version unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator.

You are not required in the US to have TCAS II...only if you do have TCAS II it has to be Version 7.0 or later. Your can do DRVSM with TCAS 1 or with out any TCAS...

 

[soarby007]

One more, under part 135.180 you do have to have TCAS. Also aircraft approved for US RVSM are approved for trips to Europe. Much of this can be found on the FAA website for DRVSM, which goes into much more detail than appendix G.

 

[FL420]

Well, you guys seem to be pretty well up on this stuff. My answer, based on recent experience flying 121 in the Americas, was only partly correct.

An article dated January 1, 2004 in Aviation Today found at http://www.aviationtoday.com/sia/20040101.htm (posted above by CloudyIFR) explains the TCAS II/RVSM problem. Selected pertinent excerpts follow:

Presented with an opportunity to strike a blow for redundancy, federal officials took a pass. The decision discomfits many pilots, who perceive a reduced margin of safety. The case involves the final rule published Oct. 27, in which the Federal Aviation Administration laid out its program for domestic reduced vertical separation minimum (DRVSM) flights......


The new order in domestic skies takes effect Jan. 20, 2005......


With less vertical space between aircraft, traffic alert collision avoidance system (TCAS) technology assumes a greater importance in assuring the margin of safety......


Here is where a lawyer's eye for fine distinctions comes in handy. Consider the wording of the introduction to the FAA’s final ruling:


"The RVSM program allows the use of 1,000-foot vertical separation at certain altitudes between aircraft that meet stringent altimeter and autopilot performance requirements. This rule also requires any aircraft that is equipped with traffic alert collision avoidance system, version II (TCAS II) and flown in RVSM airspace to incorporate a version of TCAS II software that is compatible with RVSM operations. The FAA is taking this action to assist aircraft operators to save fuel and time, to enhance air traffic control flexibility, and to enhance airspace capacity."


More specifically, the TCAS II must be version 7.0, not version 6.04......

What FAA is saying is that if one’s aircraft is equipped with TCAS II, it must be version 7.0 in order to fly in DRVSM airspace. Here’s the distinction: if an aircraft is not equipped with TCAS II, no matter—it’s not required.


One has to read all the way to page 50 of the final rule to discover that the FAA "does not concur" that TCAS II, version 7.0, should be a requirement for operation in RVSM airspace.


This escape clause has pilots unions spun up. They believe, for safety’s sake, that TCAS II, version 7.0, should be a no-exceptions precondition for flying in DRVSM airspace......


The definitive word on this and on most other subjects re: RVSM, both domestic and international, can be found on the FAA's RVSM website at http://www.faa.gov/ats/ato/rvsm1.htm. (mentioned above by soarby007)

Whether some or all ICAO countries mirror the FAA's position on TCAS II will require more research(at a later time for me.)