(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may
operate a civil aircraft of U.S. registry in airspace designated as
Reduced Vertical Separation Minimum (RVSM) airspace unless:
(1) The operator and the operator's aircraft comply with the
requirements of appendix G of this part; and
(2) The operator is authorized by the Administrator to conduct such
operations.
(b) The Administrator may authorize a deviation from the requirements
of this section in accordance with Section 5 of appendix G to this part.