Which statement describes the policy for altitude assignments on departures?

• A. The highest possible altitude must always be assigned.
• B. Safety and efficiency govern altitude assignments; highest available is not a mandatory requirement.
• C. The lowest altitude permits most direct routing.
• D. Altitude is not a factor in departure separation.

Answer: (B)

Altitude assignments on departures are guided by safety and efficiency, not a mandate to press for the highest possible level. Controllers select a climb profile that ensures safe vertical separation from other aircraft, respects terrain and obstacle clearance, and fits the flow of traffic and applicable airspace constraints. They also consider performance, weather, wake turbulence, and route structure. Climbing to the absolute highest altitude is not always feasible or desirable because it can waste time and fuel, create conflicts with other traffic, or clash with planned transitions and upper-air sector sequencing. So the best practice is to assign an altitude that safely preserves separation while optimizing routing and efficiency.