Which autopilot capability is required for RVSM compliance?

• A. Autopilot with altitude lock
• B. Autopilot without altitude hold
• C. Autopilot disabled
• D. No autopilot requirement

Answer: (A)

Maintaining a precise altitude automatically is essential for RVSM. RVSM reduces vertical separation to a tight 1000 ft between flight levels, so an aircraft must stay on its assigned level with high accuracy even in wind and turbulence. The way this is achieved is by an autopilot that can hold the selected altitude—often described as altitude lock. When altitude hold is engaged, the autopilot automatically adjusts pitch (and sometimes thrust) to keep the aircraft at the commanded flight level, using dependable altitude reference data. This automatic altitude stabilization is what RVSM relies on, reducing pilot workload and ensuring consistent vertical separation. Without altitude hold, automatic altitude maintenance isn’t guaranteed, and with the autopilot disabled or absent, RVSM compliance isn’t met.