Learjet 45
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Human Factors; Company Policy
A Learjet 45 checked onto my frequency at an interim altitude of FL410 with no prior coordination (filed altitude of FL430) and stated he was negative RVSM. I verified that he was negative RVSM and asked what his equipment suffix was. The pilot stated he was a /G. I asked if he filed his flight plan as a /G and he stated yes; he did file as a /G. I informed the Kansas City Center Controller of the situation and I climbed the aircraft to FL430 and changed his suffix to a /G. GA aircraft not filing the correct negative RVSM equipment suffix have been a very common problem within my workplace. I have filed several reports on the exact same problem. Even though this pilot told me he filed /G; I do not believe he filed the correct equipment suffix. The pilots that have been doing this do not notify any controller as they are climbing that they are negative RVSM until they check on frequency in level flight; then they notify that they are negative RVSM. Aircraft should be required to notify each controller they are in contact with; while climbing through RVSM airspace; that they are negative RVSM and this alone would be the easiest fix to add an extra layer of safety.
ZMP Controller voiced concern regarding the inaccurate 'suffix' filing by corporate type aircraft with regard to RVSM equipment.