What changes on an RVSM Aircraft?

[88_MALIBU]

I'm wondering how much it costs, and what is all involved in RVSM for an older jet? With the change taking place soon, what is the breakdown of changes to the fleet?

 

[2000flyer]

Just an example for a Lear 20 series (found on the web). Cost from one maintenance facility for RVSM package was $156,975. Price includes installation of RVSM equipment and a functional test flight of the RVSM system installation. In addition, the JET FC-110 autopilot components and pitch servo must be inspected, calibrated and/or repaired while the aircraft is being modified with RVSM equipment. The autopilot inspection/repairs depends upon aircraft configuration.**CENSORED** There is also a $1,500 charge for addressing skin waviness and paint touch-up.

You can do a search on the web and get several returns on costs and whats involved. I googled "rvsm cost" and get 15,400 returns.

2000Flyer

 

[cptsesso]

If you have waited this long to start thinking about RVSM, then you are way behind in the game. Just look forward to spending a lot of time and fuel flying below FL 290.

Also, what type of "older jet" are we talking about here? You need to be more specific. Some early serial number Lears and Citations aren't even supported. It is not cost effective to do them because the price would exceed their value.

 

[Wiggums]

Also, what type of "older jet" are we talking about here? You need to be more specific. Some early serial number Lears and Citations aren't even supported. It is not cost effective to do them because the price would exceed their value.

All Lears can be modifed to meet RVSM. The argument that you should not RVSM an aircraft because the modifications exceed the value of the aircraft is a poor one. You have to look at replacement value. If you operate a Lear 24 with a value of 250,000. The cost of all mods may approach the value of the aircraft, however, what is the cost of an aircraft that can complete the same mission? Say you move up to a Lear 35, well that is a $1 million aircraft, and you would stilll have to spend money on it for RVSM. A new aircraft with RVSM, such as a CJ1 would set you back $5 million. So for most operators, it is more economical to contiune flying their old equipment after paying for RVSM.

 

[S2Pilot]

Cptsesso is right. If you are just now thinking about RVSM then you may be out of luck until early summer of next year. We just put our Citation SII in the avionics shop yesterday. To get the aircraft RVSM certified the shop will install a new air-data computer and electic altimeter. Also the outer skin will have to be mapped around the static ports. This job alone is estimated to take over 120 hours. Hopefully, the outer skin will be in tolerance, but if it is not, there is a possibility that that portion of the aircraft might have to be reskinned. $$$$ Then after all the equipment is installed, the aircraft has to be flight checked. After the aircraft passes the flight check, then the paper work is processed and sent to the FAA. The FAA sould respond within 45 days. Hopefully we will have our airplane back toward the end of January. Flight checked by middle of February and the paperwork back from the FAA sometime in April. So you can see that RVSM is not a quick and easy process. The final bill will be in the neighborhood of 100k.