RVSM LOA approval time?

[super88]

Hey all,

Flying Pt. 91 for a private individual who just bought a new G150. We're trying our darndest to get as much squared before the delivery, but wow! What a mess. Anyone out there had any recent experience with obtaining approval on an RVSM LOA lately? We've ponied up for the works through GLN Compliance in Denver (RVSM Manuals, LOA, MNPS, Intn'l Ops, MMEL) in hopes of getting it all right the first time.

We've been told by the man who signs the paychecks that he'd like a trip to Antigua in April and Hawaii as well. We're expecting no problems fast-tracking the registration, however DuPage FSDO is saying expect 4-6 weeks for RVSM LOA approval. Any tips? Please...

Thanks so much for any feedback.

 

[cptsesso]

Baltimore FSDO (2 years ago) told us 3 to 4 months for approval. We got NBAA involved and had approval in 10 days.

Just got approval this summer with Allentown FSDO and had it back in less than a week.

 

[svcta]

I know a guy who does this all the time in my area and he gets it done pretty quickly.

I would call the FSDO and ask if there's someone who sets this stuff up for flight departments in your area. They may know him by name and that helps in every way.

 

[Galaxy]

We had an early 90's airframe RVSM'd and we were told it would take 90-120 days as well. With the help of NBAA it was 14 days for us. At least they don't expire every 2 years now. I would think that with a new plane like the G150 it should be easier. I am more surprised that the GMafia in Savannah isn't helping you out.
Best advice is call the FSDO to see what they say and if you don't like the answer...get Gulfstream and NBAA involved.
After you get your bird give some feedback on how you like it or dislike it as inquiring minds want to know.

 

[blzr]

If you need help, I know someone here that used to be FAA, he got ours done in about 7 days once we got him the info he needed.

 

[super88]

Ok, great info. It sounds as if now that the big RVSM retrofit rush has sort of come and gone they're turning them around much quicker.

The biggest hold up is that Gulfstream is using the airplane as a demo until Jan 29th. Then it goes down for paint and refurb prior to re-delivery. They're telling us they can't apply for the registration until time of delivery (nevermind the three to four weeks it will be OTS.) The FSDO is telling us we can't apply for RVSM until we get the pink registration...

I should have the LOA in my hands next week. At which time I'm going to walk it into the FSDO and hand deliver it to the person giving approval and say, "Here you go. Please look this over and tell me if there's anything wrong. I'll be back in one month with the pink registration slip and any revisions you deem necessary."

Hopefully that will streamline the process. If not I'll hit up NBAA for a little hand. I'm remaining optimistic, but my co-pilot is having a coronary.I'll keep ya'll posted on the process (and the new bird!).

Cheers,
Gavin

 

[FlaZoomie]

I've been told by a ATC controller who was a trainer for RVSM that once you have submitted the paperwork to the FSDO and after the crew is trained you can fly RVSM. He says all there has to be is a paper trail incase the feds look into it.

 

[super88]

Interesting. Well, spoke with the PAI today about getting the ball rolling and he was kind enough to say send me what you've got and I'll get it all squared away with the exception of a signature. Then once we have the registration we can just fax a copy and it will be done.

Sounds like a non-event, finally. Apparently you have to call them at least three times before they think you're serious!

 

[Lead Sled]

I've been told by a ATC controller who was a trainer for RVSM that once you have submitted the paperwork to the FSDO and after the crew is trained you can fly RVSM. He says all there has to be is a paper trail incase the feds look into it.

Be very, very careful with this one.

 

[ProFracPilot]

Sounds like a non-event, finally. Apparently you have to call them at least three times before they think you're serious!

It really depends on the FSDO you're working through. For example, TPA FSDO will tell you their guidance gives them 90 (working) days to complete the task. Then they tell you the caveats: If they send documentation back to you for correction, this is outside of their 90 (working) day clock and to expect the process to take longer. If my primary RVSM inspector got called away, this, too was an unforseen factor and would extend the time required to complete their task.

I worked with an operator importing 2 turbojet aircraft from Canada. These aircraft were DRVSM certified in Canada and met ALL of the FAA criteria for DRVSM, but of course those facts are of no matter to the FAA. They returned my manuals to me at day 31. I had one correction to a manual, and returned them to the office inside of 24 hours. The FSDO took their full 90 (working) days to give the approval. Actual calendar time was approximately 100 days. These two aircraft, once U.S. registered, flew no higher than FL280 for about 5 weeks.

I've heard similar stories. Unfortunately, there are no "Standards" when you're dealing with "Flight Standards" District Offices. I wish you luck.