What is the maximum recommended deviation for oceanic airspace altitude?

In oceanic airspace, the maximum recommended altitude deviation is ± 300 feet. This is based on the standards set by governing aviation and air traffic control authorities, which aim to maintain a high level of safety and efficiency in the flight environment where very few reference points or infrastructure exists.

Maintaining a deviation of ± 300 feet is essential in the vast, uncontrolled areas of oceanic airspace where lateral separation might be significant, and vertical separation becomes even more crucial. This standard helps manage the risk of potential conflicts between aircraft operating at similar altitudes, especially considering the limited communication and radar coverage typically present in oceanic operations.

Other deviations, whether smaller or larger, do not align with the established safety protocols for oceanic operations. Therefore, the value of ± 300 feet is set to ensure that aircraft remain adequately separated vertically, which is vital in maintaining safety during long transits over the ocean where aircraft may be operating independently of continuous air traffic control oversight.