Flight Plan Conformance

The Integrated Initial Flight Plan Processing System (IFPS) of the EUROCONTROL Central Flow Management Unit (CFMU) is responsible for the reception, initial processing and distribution of flight plan data within its area of operation. The IFPS performs flight plan conformance checking, and will invalidate flight plans which do not comply with the RVSM flight plan requirements.

Since the implementation of RVSM, there have been occasions where 'W' has been incorrectly inserted in Item 10 of the flight plans for non-RVSM approved civil aircraft. In-flight changes of the RVSM status (from RVSM approved to non-RVSM approved and vice-versa) have also been reported.

Problems have occurred with Repetitive Flight Plans when the operator did not send a Modification (CHG) message to the IFPS to indicate a change in the 'RVSM' status. This has also resulted in situations where the pilot subsequently reported 'non-RVSM approved' on frequency to ATC when Item 10 of their filed flight plan indicated RVSM approved, and vice-versa.

Cases of possible improper insertion of the 'W' in Item 10 are investigated so that State Regulators can take appropriate action with the Aircraft Operators responsible.

Filing a "W" in Item 10 of the ICAO flight plan form for non-RVSM approved civil or State aircraft is unsafe

For additional information on Repetitive Flight Plans, click here to access the EUROCONTROL CFMU library webpage, and proceed to 3. IFPS USERS MANUAL

 Next Page