Chinese RVSM

Alchemy

Alchemy

Well-Known Member
Hi,

Can anyone set me straight on Chinese RVSM? No, I'm not supposed to be flying through it anytime soon, I'm just doing some research.

Here is what I've managed to piece together:

-Begins at 8900 meters and extends to 12500 meters.
-Separation is 1000 feet but assigned in 300 meter increments
-When assigned a metric flight level in Chinese RVSM you use your conversion chart determine the flight level in feet then "add 100 feet" to determine what altitude to maintain
-The 100 feet are added to ensure 1000 feet of separation
-You must use a foot-calibrated altimeter while in Chinese RVSM

Is any of this information inaccurate? Is there anything else in particular I should know about Chinese RVSM if I was going to be asked some general questions about it? Any information is appreciated!

Thanks!
 
On first glance, that appears about right. We do have a detailed description in our FOM, but don't have it in front of me. I can tell you it is more messed up than the way the Russians do it.
 
For reference only:

"When ATC issues a clearance for a China RVSM altitude, the Pilot Monitoring will read back
the clearance in METERS. The Pilot Monitoring will make the initial conversion from meters to feet
using the China RVSM chart and set this altitude in the MCP altitude alert window. The Pilot
Flying will confirm the conversion and correct altitude set in the MCP altitude alert window. The
IRO, if applicable, separately verifies the altitude conversion and correct altitude set in the MCP
altitude alert window. Most B767s and intra-theatre B757s are equipped with a metric standby
altimeter. This metric standby altimeter can display the MCP altitude alert window in meters. Push
and hold the reference altitude control knob for two (2) seconds to convert this altimeter to a “metric
repeater” for the selected MCP altitude alert window. Use of this altimeter in the metric mode is
strongly encouraged as an outstanding backup for the China RVSM chart.

B757/767 CHINA RVSM FLIGHT LEVEL ALLOCATION SCHEME (FLAS)
8900 Meters (29,100 Feet) To 12,500 Meters (41,100 Feet) Inclusive"

After reading this, I don't see any reference, nor do I ever remember, adding 100 feet to the converted altitude. Also, the language about the metric altimeter seems confusing. The way I remember it, the metric altimeter shows your current altitude in meters instead of feet.
 
View attachment chineservsm.pdfThanks for both replies, the help is greatly appreciated. I guess my reference to the adding of 100 feet was kind of bad way to put it....the conversion charts already add in the 100 feet for you.....ie 8900m is listed as FL291, 9200m is FL301, etc etc.

Basically, you have to be sure you're using the chinese altitude conversion table instead of a generic metric one, otherwise you'd interpret 8900m as FL292, which would compromise your 1000 ft RVSM separation. Compounding the situation is the fact that Chinese ATC will issue your clearances in Metric flight levels but you are expected to use a the chinese conversion table and a foot calibrated altimeter to maintain the appropriate altitude.

I have attached the reference I've been using to try and understand this in .pdf format.
 
Yeah, the IFALPA reference has a lot more info than they gave us dumb brown cargo guys. Gotta dumb it down for me. Sometimes it's better to keep it simple, though.
 
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