How far must the courses diverge after takeoff to maintain proper separation when using parallel runways?

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

Answer: (B)

In air traffic control, maintaining proper separation between aircraft is critical, especially when using parallel runways. When aircraft take off from parallel runways, their flight paths need to diverge sufficiently to prevent the risk of collisions or wake turbulence encounters.

The correct angle of divergence after takeoff is 15 degrees. This angle is established based on safety guidelines that take into account factors such as the physical separation of runways, wake turbulence, and aircraft performance characteristics. When aircraft heading diverges by 15 degrees or more shortly after takeoff, it ensures that they are on safe and separate flight paths, thereby minimizing any potential hazards that could arise from their initial climb.

In this context, the other angles provided are either too small or beyond what is necessary to ensure safe separation. Therefore, the specification of 15 degrees as the required divergence angle is based on established protocols aimed at optimizing safety in operations involving parallel runways.