Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Travel&Dining > Travel Safety/Security > Practical Travel Safety and Security Issues
Reload this Page >

Close Encounter With Another Plane in the Air

Register
Community
Wiki Posts
Today's Posts
Search

Close Encounter With Another Plane in the Air

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 20, 2014, 2:49 pm
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AAdvanatge EXP
Posts: 52
Close Encounter With Another Plane in the Air
I was just on UA 6498 from BOI-LAX on a CRJ-700. In the middle of our flight, another airplane flew on top of us. It wasn't just a tiny object in the distance, it was really close. It even caused our plane to rock back and forth several times. Is this normal? Or was this a close call? In all my travel experience, I have never encountered another aircraft mid flight at such close proximity.
AAbraCadabra is offline  
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2014, 4:10 pm
  #2  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
If you believe that ATC and the Captain violated the vertical spacing requirements, you should file a complaint with FAA's inspector general.
Often1 is offline  
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2014, 1:48 pm
  #3  
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SFO/SJC/SQL
Posts: 1,412
Originally Posted by AAbraCadabra
I was just on UA 6498 from BOI-LAX on a CRJ-700. In the middle of our flight, another airplane flew on top of us. It wasn't just a tiny object in the distance, it was really close. It even caused our plane to rock back and forth several times. Is this normal? Or was this a close call? In all my travel experience, I have never encountered another aircraft mid flight at such close proximity.
I am 99.99% positive it was not a threat. Reduced vertical separation minimum allows for 1,000 feet between planes as opposed to the old 2,000 feet standard. Both planes must have certain equipment installed to ensure safety margins are met. The fact no radical maneuvers were made indicates no issues. Had there been a conflict, TCAS would have warned both planes and evasive action would have been taken. This happens much more than people expect. Last week I was on a flight when a Southwest plane passed below us going in the opposite direction. Everything happened in 2 seconds and I just happened to be looking in the right place at the right time.
WChou is offline  
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2014, 1:49 pm
  #4  
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,418
Common rule is 1000-2000 feet of vertical separation between planes at cruising altitude.
drewguy is online now  
Reply



Advanced Search
Reply Closed Thread Share
Forum Jump

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.