Operators faced with meeting imminent Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) legislation have a realistic solution on offer in the UK from Cranfield Aerospace of Bedford, England.

Cranfield has developed a package offering all necessary testing, engineering modifications, approvals, installation and ongoing airworthiness inspection which it says will serve as an alternative to costly overseas modification or even disposal of the aircraft.

The total capability, initially offered for HS125-700 aircraft in partnership with aircraft engineering and sales organisation Lynton Aviation, will allow operators to secure RVSM airworthiness approval in time for the Europe-wide January 24, 2002 deadline. Adding to pressure on operators, Eurocontrol require that all aircraft intending to operate in RVSM airspace are to have full approval by the end of March 2001.

RVSM will permit the application of a 1,000 ft vertical separation minimum between suitably equipped aircraft in the level band from FL290 to FL410, this will provide airspace users with more flight levels and thus optimised flight profiles.

David Gardner, managing director at Cranfield Aerospace said: "RVSM need not be a financial burden to owners of mature business jets. The facilities, experience and skills to secure airworthiness approval for single or group aircraft no longer supported by their manufacturer are all available here in the UK."

David Wilkinson, avionics manager at Lynton Aviation said: "We are already in detailed discussions with several operators of HS125-700 aircraft, and are considering extending the programme to 400-series aircraft as well."

The package begins with calibration of the altimetry system and in flight static source error tests on a single aircraft. Clearance for the necessary modifications is obtained from the CAA. The installation work can be carried out either by Cranfield engineers, by a partner such as Lynton Aviation, or by the operator's engineering organisation. The company says it will also carry out future inspections of the system to ensure continued RVSM airworth-iness. The company is offering a fixed price of £31,500 for the programme of calibration, testing and approval - excluding modification work.