In a radar environment, departures on parallel runways heading the same direction may be released simultaneously if courses diverge by at least 15 degrees and centerlines are separated by at least how many feet?

• A. 1,000
• B. 3,500
• C. 4,000
• D. 2,500

Answer: (D)

In radar operations, two aircraft on parallel runways heading the same direction can be released at the same time when their paths will diverge enough to maintain required separation. A 15-degree divergence means the tracks will separate laterally as they progress, so having the runway centerlines spaced by a sufficient distance helps ensure there’s a safe buffer right from the moment of release. The standard minimum centerline separation of 2,500 feet provides that initial lateral space, and the 15-degree course divergence guarantees the tracks will stay apart as they climb and proceed. Distances smaller than 2,500 feet wouldn’t reliably guarantee safety for simultaneous release, while larger separations aren’t necessary for this rule.