At what altitude should COD aircraft be established to de-conflict with aircraft descending from port holding?

In the context of air traffic management, establishing proper separation between aircraft is essential for maintaining safety during operations. When dealing with COD (Carrier Onboard Delivery) aircraft that must de-conflict from other aircraft, such as those descending from port holding, altitude plays a crucial role.

The correct altitude for the COD aircraft is set at 600 feet for several key reasons. This altitude creates an appropriate buffer that ensures safe vertical separation from the descending flights, allowing for efficient operations in busy airspace. It helps to avoid potential conflicts where two aircraft may inadvertently be on a collision course if separated by insufficient altitude.

Typically, air traffic control must account for defined vertical separation standards, which help prevent altitude encroachments between different categories of aircraft. Selecting 600 feet not only aligns with these regulations but also maintains consistency within standard operational procedures. This careful consideration of altitude allows the COD aircraft to execute safe maneuvers and landings without interference from traffic that may be descending from holding patterns above.

The other altitude options do not provide the same level of safety and separation needed in this scenario. An altitude of 400 feet, for instance, might be too close to other aircraft, increasing the risk of altitude conflicts. Similarly, altitudes of 500 feet and