When using the 22-knot rule, what is the minimum longitudinal separation required?

The minimum longitudinal separation when applying the 22-knot rule is determined by the speed of aircraft and the necessary time at which to maintain sufficient separation to ensure safety. The 22-knot rule states that for aircraft flying at a speed up to 22 knots, a minimum time-based separation of 5 minutes is required. This allows for appropriate spacing between aircraft in the same flight path, ensuring that they do not come too close together.

In addition to the time requirement, there’s also a distance component. At 5 minutes, an aircraft traveling at a speed that corresponds to about 10 miles per minute would naturally create a separation of about 10 nautical miles. This is important in aviation operations to maintain safe distances and avoid any potential collisions.

The other choices suggest different time and distance separations, but they do not align with the established minimums set forth by the 22-knot rule, leading to the conclusion that the correct answer upholds the guideline for maintaining safe operations during flight.