Final answer:
Commercial airliners fly at 35,000 feet primarily for fuel efficiency and safety, as the air is thinner and the risk of turbulence and other hazards is reduced. The FAA rigorously dictates the aircraft's flight path to ensure a safe distance is maintained between planes. Similar to quantum mechanics' principles, planes have specific altitude and distance regulations for their location in the air.
Step-by-step explanation:
Commercial airliners typically cruise at an altitude of around 35,000 feet for several reasons linked to efficiency and safety. At this elevation, the air is thinner which allows the aircraft to travel through less air resistance or drag, leading to better fuel efficiency. Additionally, the risk of turbulent weather and flying hazards, such as birds, is greatly reduced at higher altitudes. The flight path of these airliners is under strict regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to prevent collisions. Required separation includes maintaining a distance of five miles from another plane at the same altitude and 2,000 feet vertically, except below 29,000 feet where the requirement is 1,000 feet.
This level of control over the aircraft's flight path ensures safety in the busy skies, similar to how quantum mechanics dictates that electrons can only be in certain positions. Moreover, at higher altitudes, the difference in air pressure above and below the wings contributes to the aircraft's lift, which is essential for steady flight.