What is used to determine the runway centerline when authorizing a simultaneous departure/arrival to/from a helipad?

• A. Heading alignment
• B. RNAV path
• C. Ground track
• D. Takeoff course

Answer: (D)

Takeoff course defines the initial trajectory after liftoff, and that trajectory is used as the runway centerline reference when you’re authorizing a simultaneous departure/arrival to or from a helipad. The centerline is the line along which traffic is expected to progress just after takeoff, so using the takeoff course ensures the reference matches the actual operating path.

Heading alignment is only the aircraft’s current direction and doesn’t guarantee the post-takeoff path. Ground track can be shifted by wind and isn’t the planned post-takeoff route. RNAV path is an instrument-route reference, not the local reference used for coordinating runway traffic with a nearby helipad.