How should nonparticipating aircraft be separated from active SUA and ATCAA at FL290 and below?

The correct answer is that nonparticipating aircraft should be separated from active Special Use Airspace (SUA) and Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspace (ATCAA) at FL290 and below by 500 feet vertically. This is in accordance with standard air traffic separation procedures, which dictate vertical separation requirements to ensure safety between nonparticipating aircraft and operations within designated airspace.

Active SUA and ATCAA can pose restrictions and potential hazards to aircraft not involved in the activities occurring within that airspace. Maintaining a vertical separation of 500 feet provides a safe buffer that accommodates the potential for aircraft operating within the SUA or ATCAA to perform maneuvers that might be hazardous to aircraft operating outside of those areas, while also taking into account variations in altitude and air traffic operations.

Separation standards are established to enhance safety, allowing air traffic controllers to manage flight operations effectively and minimize the risk of collisions. Other vertical separation standards, such as 300, 1000, or 1500 feet, are designed for different contexts, such as standard operations between layers of controlled airspace or under certain weather conditions, but specifically for active SUA and ATCAA, the requirement is 500 feet.