RVSM and future of corporate....

[Headwind]

A previous question about DRVSM on older Citations. It is available on the "Sperry - Collins" Citations. Sometimes in the 1975 model year Cessna changed from the RCA avionics with Bendix auto pilot. I was told if you have the Sperry - Collins system you are OK----- OK you can spend one hundred thousand plus for DRVSM.

 

[Timebuilder]

We had the first of our planes, a 35, go through the RVSM upgrade. No TCAS II, but about $200,000 when all was said and done.

We now have two new altimeters with electronic driven servos and built in alerters, two new air data computers, new pitot tubes (in new locations), and we dumped the VG's for BLE's. That's the visible stuff; no telling what else was done. The plane was gone for over a month.

I have seen no info on what will happen to turboprops, and I have read that there are no approved mods for the earlier Lears.

While a great many airplanes will be on the market for a song, who will want them? I'd go with a good airplane like the 35 or 55, or another good model, and budget for the upgrade.

 

[Rick1128]

261, According to the DRVSM regs I have read and the information I have gotten from the meeting and classes on RVSM I have attended, it has to be TCAS II. I have not read anything that directly states it has to be II. But the system performance requirements seem to limit it to TCAS II. Rev 7 is required because of the close spacing. It is suppose to prevent unnecessary diversions. We'll see. So you might want to check. But that is the best information I have.

there are two companies working on 20 series mods. But we will have to wait to see if they are approved. Presently, many of the LR 20 operators I have talked with are considering their aircraft throw-aways.

Remember the 707's were in the same boat in the early 80's with the noise rules. You could buy them for nothing and then when the hush kits came out their value increased dramaticly.

 

[atpcliff]

Hi!

We're flying Falcon 20s, and 1 of our Mgmt pilots told us it will cost about $150K to get RVSM. I don't think TCASII is needed, as that definitely wouldn't fit into the $150 budget.

We are converting all of our planes (I don't know how much the DC-9s will cost to convert) as it will save us $ to fly above 290.

The new date for compliance is Jan 2005 (it was pushed back 1 month). If U need to RVSM a plane, make sure to find out how long and when the co. doing it can get it in. There aren't a lot of cos. offering the service, and there could be a big logjam at the last minute.

Cliff
GRB

 

[VinMingie]

RVSM

Anyone looking into RVSM certification should check out D/D Aviation Services of Marietta, GA. They essentially take you through the entire process for Global Authority (RNP-X, MNPS, RVSM...etc.) at a minimul cost. I've been working with them on our G200 and have been really impressed. (www.DandDAviation.com)
Also don't forget the HMU flight (height monitoring unit) through Arinc which will cost in the $3,000 range, if your aircraft requires it.