At what altitude does the seat auto-separate during ejection?

The correct altitude for seat auto-separation during ejection is typically around 14,000 to 16,000 feet. This range is designed to ensure that the ejection seat functions optimally when an emergency occurs, allowing a sufficient altitude for the seat to properly detach from the aircraft.

At these altitudes, the air density is appropriate for ensuring that the seat can safely clear the aircraft and that the pilot can deploy their parachute without encountering significant problems that might arise at higher or lower altitudes. The design emphasizes pilot safety and maximization of the chances for a successful recovery after ejection.

Choosing a different range of altitudes, such as 10,000-12,000 feet, 12,000-15,000 feet, or 16,000-18,000 feet could result in issues related to seat separation effectiveness or parachute deployment, emphasizing why the specific range of 14,000 to 16,000 feet is crucial for the ejection sequence.