Separate successive departures from same runway/helipad or parallel runways/helipads separated by less than 2,500 ft feet by ________ miles and ___________.

• A. 1 mile; 15 degrees
• B. 1 mile; 10 degrees
• C. 2 miles; 15 degrees
• D. 0.5 mile; 25 degrees

Answer: (A)

When runways or helipads are closely spaced (less than 2,500 feet apart), departures require a built‑in separation as they lift off. The rule is to separate successive departures by one mile of lateral distance and by at least a 15-degree divergence in their initial flight paths. The 1 mile gives a concrete buffer so the two aircraft aren’t tracking the same space immediately after takeoff, while the 15-degree difference ensures their trajectories begin to diverge quickly, reducing the risk of conflict as they climb out.

This combination is chosen because it provides practical, predictable separation in nearby-takeoff scenarios without requiring overly large gaps. Other numbers would either undercut the needed separation or add unnecessary spacing, especially given potential timing and speed variations right after departure.