In nonradar environment, parallel runways with simultaneous departures require centerline separation of at least what and courses divergence of at least how much immediately after takeoff?

• A. 60 degrees or more
• B. 30 degrees or more
• C. 45 degrees or more
• D. 15 degrees or more

Answer: (C)

In a nonradar environment, controllers can’t rely on radar to keep aircraft separated, so pilots must ensure separation by their flight paths right after takeoff. When two aircraft are departing parallel runways at the same time, they are expected to diverge from their respective runway centerlines promptly so their tracks separate quickly and maintain the required lateral separation.

Diverging by at least 45 degrees immediately after takeoff provides enough angular separation early in the climb, even with typical airspeed and wind conditions, to prevent encroachment between the two paths. If the divergence is smaller—like 15 or 30 degrees—the tracks stay closer together longer and the risk of losing separation increases. Conversely, 60 degrees would be more than needed for the standard in this scenario, but the requirement is to diverge by 45 degrees or more.

So, the best choice reflects the standard of diverging by 45 degrees or more right after takeoff to ensure safe, timely lateral separation when operating parallel runways without radar assistance.