When making route assignments, which aspect must be considered for airways and routes?

When making route assignments, considering the altitude stratum being used is essential because it directly impacts a variety of operational factors affecting both air traffic management and safety. The altitude stratum involves the specific vertical airspace layer in which aircraft will operate, which must align with procedures for separating different types of air traffic, whether they be commercial or general aviation.

Assigning routes within the correct altitude stratum ensures that there is adequate vertical separation between aircraft to prevent collisions, especially in busy airspace regions. Furthermore, each altitude stratum may have different speed and performance characteristics, which can affect flight planning and efficiency.

Understanding the altitude stratum is crucial because it helps controllers manage the flow of air traffic, maintain safety standards, and optimize routing based on the characteristics of the aircraft operating within those strata.