What method is used to separate aircraft on the same airway flying in the same direction?

The method used to separate aircraft on the same airway flying in the same direction primarily relies on time. This involves ensuring that there is an adequate time interval between aircraft to prevent any risk of collision and maintain safe operations. When aircraft are flying at the same altitude and on the same route, managing their separation in terms of time allows air traffic control to safely space them as they proceed along the airway.

By establishing separation through time intervals, controllers can ensure that aircraft maintain a minimum safe distance from each other, even if they are both operating at the same cruising altitude. This is especially important in busy airspaces where multiple aircraft may be following similar flight paths.

Using time for separation can be particularly effective because it can account for variations in airspeed and helps maintain orderly flow while considering the dynamics of the aircraft in the airspace.