when flying, planes must keep a minimal vertical 1,000ft away from each other.planes flying east 0 degrees to 180 degrees fly at altitudes in odds so like 1,00 3,000 etc. planes flying west 181 degrees to 359 degrees fly at altitudes in even 2,000 4,000 etc that is flying IFR (auto pilot). if flying VFR (actual flying) you would add 500ft to the even and odd altitudes so 2,500 and 1,500. commercial planes are basically told what direction and altitude to fly by air traffic control. and you pretty much nailed it on the head about commercial pilots using auto pilot then if it fails not having a clue on what to do