Which statement is true regarding the protected airspace around airways?

The statement regarding the protected airspace around airways being that it extends 4 miles either side to 51 miles from NAVAID is accurate. This regulation is in place to ensure that aircraft remain safely separated from one another, providing adequate space for navigation and avoiding obstacles.

The 4-mile buffer on each side allows for some flexibility in flight paths, accommodating slight deviations that pilots might take under various circumstances. Extending this protection up to 51 miles from the Navigational Aid (NAVAID) ensures safety at greater distances, which is particularly important for maintaining airspace integrity and allows for better conflict resolution among aircraft operating in the vicinity of the airway. This regulation is a critical aspect of air traffic control, enabling efficient and effective management of both commercial and general aviation traffic in the airspace system.

This approach helps maintain a structured and predictable environment for air traffic, reducing the risk of mid-air conflicts and collisions, particularly near busy routes that may have lots of traffic.