Clear departing NONRADAR headings can diverge by a maximum of how many degrees?

Clear departing NONRADAR headings can diverge by a maximum of 45 degrees to maintain safe separation between aircraft that are departing from the same airport. This limitation is in place because larger deviations could potentially lead to risks of conflict between aircraft as they climb away from the airspace.

The 45-degree divergence allows for efficient use of airspace while maximizing safety, as it provides enough separation without excessively complicating traffic management. This degree of separation is particularly important in nonradar environments, where controllers rely on written or verbal communication for instructions rather than real-time surveillance data. This ensures that aircraft maintain a safe distance apart as they ascend, minimizing the chances of mid-air conflicts and facilitating smoother traffic flow.

Understanding the rationale behind these specific separation guidelines is crucial for effective air traffic control operations, especially in busy airspaces or during peak departure times.