The entire AFI RVSM airspace is meant to be a Class A, a controlled airspace where positive air traffic control (ATC) service is provided uniformly, in consistency with Recommendation 5/21 of the Seventh AFI Regional Air Navigation Meeting (AFI/7, 1997). ARMA has the responsibilities , among others, to monitor aircraft height-keeping performance and the occurrence of large height deviations, and to conduct safety assessments for its affiliated ICAO contracting States and FIRs . ARMA is hosted by Air Traffic Navigation Services Company of South Africa (ATNS) and is managed on behalf of ICAO. ARMA interacts with the ICAO ESAF office for all ICAO type administration and produces RVSM outputs to satisfy ICAO for AFI. ARMA reports certain activities to ICAO Montreal and belongs to the Global RMA committee which meets on an annual basis to harmonise the working principles of the global RMAs.
ARMA operating procedures are thereby harmonised on a worldwide basis, taking account of the experience gained in each Region. In this regard, ARMA reports certain activities to ICAO Montreal and belongs to the Global RMA committee following which the ARMA Handbook is updated as necessary.
The purpose of the AFI RVSM System is to provide - between FL290 and FL410 inclusive - a 1000 feet vertical separation service to Civil and State RVSM approved aircraft and 2000 feet to State aircraft. Non-RVSM approved civil aircraft are not allowed to operate within the AFI RVSM Airspace, however those intending to operate above FL410 can be cleared to transit through the RVSM airspace, subject to traffic levels, and provided that they have the capability to execute an uninterrupted climb and descent at no less than standard rate.