In a radar environment, parallel runway departures may be released simultaneously if centerlines are separated by at least 2,500 feet and courses diverge by at least 15 degrees; which two details define this rule?

• A. 1,000 feet and 5 degrees
• B. 3,500 feet and 45 degrees
• C. 2,500 feet and 15 degrees
• D. 2,000 feet and 10 degrees

Answer: (C)

In radar operations for parallel runway departures, safe simultaneous release rests on two minimum requirements: enough lateral separation between centerlines and enough divergence in the flight paths. The rule sets these as 2,500 feet of centerline separation and 15 degrees of course divergence. When both are met, the paths are distinct enough on the radar to prevent conflicts during the initial departure phase.

So the two details that define this rule are 2,500 feet and 15 degrees. The other options don’t fit because they don’t meet both minimum thresholds—smaller values wouldn’t guarantee safe separation, while larger values aren’t the defining minimums of the rule (though they would also be safe).