What does the separation distance increase to when an aircraft is below FL600?

When an aircraft is operating below Flight Level 600 (FL600), the standard separation distance between aircraft increases to 5 miles. This separation standard is crucial for maintaining safe operational distances and ensuring that aircraft can avoid potential conflicts while in flight.

At lower altitudes, this separation helps account for factors such as increased maneuverability of aircraft and the need to manage traffic density effectively, particularly in busy airspace. The 5-mile separation is generally applicable to aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and when the use of radar is involved for separation.

Further, it’s important to recognize that as altitude increases, different separation standards may apply, particularly in the context of air traffic control and regulatory requirements. However, for aircraft below FL600, adhering to the 5-mile standard ensures safety and helps manage the flow of air traffic efficiently.