19/09/2025
How Air Traffic Keeps Jets Safe in the Sky ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ฐ๏ธ
Even though those two jets in the photo look dangerously close, hereโs why itโs actually perfectly safe:
๐ Vertical Separation (1,000 ft rule):
At cruising altitude, planes must stay at least 1,000 feet above or below each other (2,000 ft at higher altitudes like above FL410). This ensures no overlap.
๐ฃ๏ธ Airways = Highways in the Sky:
Aircraft follow assigned airways (like invisible highways). Each has designated altitudes and directions depending on route and heading.
๐ง Air Traffic Controllers (ATC):
Controllers constantly monitor every planeโs position using radar & GPS-based ADS-B systems. They issue altitude and heading instructions to keep safe spacing.
๐ก Onboard Collision Avoidance (TCAS):
If two planes ever get too close, the Traffic Collision Avoidance System inside each cockpit gives automatic climb/descend instructions to the pilots.
โฑ๏ธ Longitudinal Separation:
Along the same route, jets are spaced by minutes of flying time (usually 5โ10 minutes apart), which equals dozens of miles in distance.
So, while the photo makes it look like a near miss ๐ฑ, in reality these aircraft are flying safely under strict rules, almost like cars on a multi-level highway ๐๐๐ but with 3D layers of altitude.