Final answer:
When an airplane is flying west, it needs to be flying at specific altitudes to ensure safe separation from other aircraft. The FAA regulates flight paths to prevent collisions and manage air traffic efficiently.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an airplane is flying west, it needs to be flying at specific altitudes to ensure safe separation from other aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates the flight paths of airplanes and specifies that each plane must maintain a distance of five miles laterally from another plane flying at the same altitude. Additionally, planes must maintain a vertical separation of 2,000 feet above and below other aircraft (1,000 feet if the altitude is less than 29,000 feet).
For example, if an airplane is flying west at an altitude of 30,000 feet, it must maintain a vertical separation of at least 2,000 feet above and below any other aircraft at the same altitude.
These regulations ensure the safety of air travel by preventing collisions and allowing air traffic control to efficiently manage the flow of aircraft in the sky.