Final answer:
Planes maintain safe distances as regulated by the FAA and are monitored by air traffic controllers using radar and communication systems to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Planes are able to fly without running into each other primarily due to the regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA requires commercial airliners to maintain a minimum separation of five miles laterally from another plane flying at the same altitude, as well as a vertical separation of 2,000 feet above or below another aircraft, or 1,000 feet if they are flying below 29,000 feet. This ensures safe distances between aircraft in flight.
Additionally, air traffic controllers utilize radar and communication systems to monitor the position and speed of aircraft, providing guidance to pilots to maintain the necessary separation. They apply specific separation intervals, for instance, a three-minute interval for certain situations involving aircraft of varying sizes and weights to prevent wake turbulence incidents, which can be hazardous for following aircraft. By managing the traffic flow meticulously, air traffic control ensures the efficient and safe operation of numerous flights simultaneously.