Aircraft Separation. Is this a safety breach?

Question

I was taking a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. The aircraft JL722 flew south and make a 360 degrees banking turn over the island of Batam to line itself up for landing approx 18 miles away. The plane is low enough below cloud level for me to see streets lighting below. I saw something flew directly below me. The speed suggests an aircraft flying in the opposite direction. Its too far below to pose any real danger. But I can't help feeling if safety rules has been breached. Any comments?

lowflyer1 · Accepted Answer

If your plane was lining up on approach, then you were under radar observation by Air Traffic Control. Well within controlled airspace.

Separation inside of controlled airspace can be as little as 1000' vertical and 1 mile horizontal. Even less if the controller allows visual separation.

al b · Answer

I would bet that the other aircraft was in contact with the control tower as was the airplane you were on, I don't think this was a problem as you say it was too far below to pose any danger. Also, bear in mind that in a jet preparing to land, you are travelling probably around 200MPH give or take. If you see a bird or another airplane going the opposite way it looks like it is going the speed of sound because you are relating your airplanes speed to the other aircraft/bird. If you're doing 200mph, and the opposing aircraft is doing 200mph, the closing speed is 400mph, which is what you perceive when you see the other aircraft wiz by.

rgrahamh2o · Answer

Most modern aircraft are fitted with TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) which will alert the pilots of both aircraft if they are below minimum separtation.

It is 1000 vertical feet between commercial aircraft.

? · Answer

Appears to safe. The curious things are the mentioning of the 360 degree turn and the landing and takeoffs taking place in opposite direction. (On the assumption that the plane you saw coming in opposite direction was taking off)

Anonymous · Answer

There are vertical separation limits for airspace, depending on altitude. Altitude is tracked by the controllers. 

Most modern aircraft also have TCAS to prevent collision.

justbeingher · Answer

Helicopters can fly any damn way they want to. I had this happen to me on final as a student pilot - I was at final pattern altitude, all lined up to land and a DEA helicopter flew right underneath my flight path.

Anonymous · Answer

There should be 1000 vertical separation from aircraft maintained by ATC at all times, so it is safe.

Anonymous · Answer

Vertical seperation between aircraft is 1000'.

Leon · Answer

If it goes below or above you its safe. Unless someone stops climbing or descending and tries to crash you.

Aircraft Separation. Is this a safety breach?

9 Answers