When courses are the same initially and separation of 2 minutes is authorized, they must diverge within what time frame after takeoff?

The correct answer is five minutes, as this aligns with the aviation regulations regarding separation after takeoff when two aircraft are following the same course.

When two aircraft take off in succession and are on the same course, separating them by a time interval—such as two minutes—is a standard practice. However, it is crucial that these aircraft start to diverge within a defined time frame to ensure safe airspace management and to prevent conflicts. The five-minute window is established as an adequate period for the aircraft to properly diverge and establish their respective flight paths away from one another.

This requirement is designed to maintain safe distances and trajectories in crowded airspaces, thus minimizing the risk of potential collisions. While other time frames may seem plausible, five minutes is specifically established in regulatory frameworks to ensure both safety and efficiency in air traffic operations.