Which factor must always be assessed before approving a climbing or descending maneuver?

The need to assess the current flight plan and traffic in the vicinity before approving a climbing or descending maneuver is crucial for maintaining safety and operational efficiency in air traffic management. This assessment allows controllers to ensure that the proposed altitude change does not interfere with the flight paths and altitudes of nearby aircraft.

Evaluating the current flight plan helps identify the intended route and any potential airspace conflicts, while monitoring traffic in the vicinity ensures that the climbing or descending aircraft can execute the maneuver safely without encroaching upon the separation standards set for nearby traffic.

Ensuring that the appropriate separation is maintained during these altitude changes helps prevent mid-air collisions and promotes orderly air traffic flow. Thus, prioritizing the flight plan and surrounding traffic is essential for safe, effective airspace management.