One embodiment provides a method of characterizing an airborne spacing operation. The method includes determining, using a computer, a spacing tolerance based on a performance objective for the airborne spacing operation, determining, using a computer, a minimum state data performance level and a minimum speed performance level based on the spacing tolerance, and providing, using a computer, a required interval management performance (RIMP) category for the airborne spacing operation, the RIMP category specifying the spacing tolerance, the minimum state data performance level, and the minimum speed performance level.