Consider separation to exist between aircraft established on radials of the same NAVAID that diverge by at least ___ degrees when either aircraft is clear of the airspace to be protected for the other aircraft

Consider separation to exist between aircraft established on radials of the same NAVAID that diverge by at least ___ degrees when either aircraft is clear of the airspace to be protected for the other aircraft

• A. 10 degrees
• B. 15 degrees
• C. 20 degrees
• D. 25 degrees

Answer: (B)

When two aircraft share the same NAVAID and their radials diverge, their tracks move apart as they fly away from the VOR. If either aircraft is outside the airspace that needs protection for the other, a minimum angular divergence of fifteen degrees provides enough horizontal separation to meet the lateral separation standard without radar. This angle gives a safe margin against navigation and tracking errors as the aircraft move beyond the protected area. Angles smaller than that would not reliably guarantee separation in this scenario, while larger angles exceed what this rule requires.

When two aircraft share the same NAVAID and their radials diverge, their tracks move apart as they fly away from the VOR. If either aircraft is outside the airspace that needs protection for the other, a minimum angular divergence of fifteen degrees provides enough horizontal separation to meet the lateral separation standard without radar. This angle gives a safe margin against navigation and tracking errors as the aircraft move beyond the protected area. Angles smaller than that would not reliably guarantee separation in this scenario, while larger angles exceed what this rule requires.