IFR separation

[TwinOtterFan]

Just flew back from Alberta, doesn't seem horrible there lol. Anyway on the flight out I got my little guy a window seat and while he was explaining the different "cloud cities" we were flying through while at cruise another jet ripped by in the opposite direction.

It was quick, but I have to say I was surprised how close it was. It's a couple hundred meters normal for opposing traffic?

[Slick Goodlin]

Opposing direction traffic would be 1000 feet above or below but it always looks really close. I assume it’s because the next nearest thing of obvious discernible size (the ground) is miles below you.

[TwinOtterFan]

I was wondering about the perspective part of it, in all the flights I've ever been on it was my first time seeing that.

[mcrit]

I know 1000’ separation always looks really close when I’m up front.

The rocks also look really close when your at MSA in the mountains.

[Colonel]

Beyond about 10 feet, your binocular stereoscopic depth perception doesn't work.

Instead, you brain relies on visual cues to estimate distances, and can be easily fooled.

For example, a 747 will look HUGE at the same distance, compared to say a little F-16.

Similarly, if you see a 747 fly through the sky, it will appear to be moving much slower than
the F-16 at the same speed, because it takes longer to travel it's fuselage length.

Illusions, man. Not just a book from that nutbar Bach.

[Scudrunner]

1000 foot separation

One thing you do need to watch out for is the wake turbulence produced by a heavy ripping over head. It can/will drift down and you’ll have a bad time.

Everyone is trying to kill you. Write that down.