3.12 Encountering Turbulence 3.12.1 Meteorological conditions can cause turbulence that maybe detrimental to accurate height- keeping, particularly in RVSM Airspace. If an aircraft reports greater than moderate turbulence and is within 5 minutes of another aircraft at 300 m (1 000 ft) vertical spacing, ATC will endeavour to establish 600 m (2 000 ft) separation by climbing descending either aircraft. 3.12.2 Any OAC might request an increase in separation minima due to adverse weather conditions. This could lead to the temporary suspension of RVSM in selected areas. 3.12.3 When encountering greater than moderate turbulence, which affects the aircraft's ability to maintain CFL, the pilot should take the following action a) watch for possible conflicting traffic and make maximum use of exterior lights b) broadcast callsign, position, flight level, nature and severity of turbulence and intentions, on frequency 121.5 MHz (with 123.45 MHz used as a backup frequency c) notify ATC as soon as possible and request a flight level or/and a Mach number change as necessary and d) if the aircraft cannot maintain the assigned flight level, execute established contingency procedures to leave assigned track or route. 3.12.4 ATC should take the following action a) if possible, establish increased vertical, longitudinal or lateral separation b) accommodate the request fora change in altitude, if possible orc) if neither of the above actions is possible, notify other aircraft in the vicinity and monitor the situation and d) consider suspending RVSM operations in the affected area.