Under RVSM, which flight level is restricted from use in the discussed region?

Under RVSM, which flight level is restricted from use in the discussed region?

• A. FL 300
• B. FL 280
• C. FL 290
• D. FL 270

Answer: (C)

In RVSM airspace the vertical separation is reduced to 1000 ft, and the usable flight levels start at FL290 and go up to FL410, in 1000 ft steps. In the region described, FL290 is restricted from use, so you cannot assign that level there. You must instead use levels within the RVSM band above it, such as FL300 or higher. Level FL270 lies below the RVSM band and is not part of the RVSM airspace, so it isn’t an option in this context. That’s why the restricted level is FL290.

In RVSM airspace the vertical separation is reduced to 1000 ft, and the usable flight levels start at FL290 and go up to FL410, in 1000 ft steps. In the region described, FL290 is restricted from use, so you cannot assign that level there. You must instead use levels within the RVSM band above it, such as FL300 or higher. Level FL270 lies below the RVSM band and is not part of the RVSM airspace, so it isn’t an option in this context. That’s why the restricted level is FL290.