What angle of course divergence must be maintained between SVFR helicopters when reducing separation?

Maintaining a course divergence of 30 degrees between Special Visual Flight Rules (SVFR) helicopters when reducing separation is crucial for ensuring safety in the airspace. This angle helps to reduce the likelihood of collision by providing a sufficient lateral distance as the helicopters operate in close proximity, which is often necessary in busy air traffic environments.

The requirement for 30 degrees is established to account for the potential errors in navigation and heading maintenance that can occur, particularly in conditions where visual navigation may be challenging. This divergence creates an effective buffer zone that enhances safety margins, allowing for any minor deviations in flight paths.

In contrast, lower degrees of divergence, such as 10 or 20 degrees, may not be adequate to provide the necessary separation needed to prevent aircraft from unintentionally converging, especially as small errors could lead to a potential collision risk. A divergence of 40 degrees, while offering a greater safety margin, may not be necessary in all scenarios and could unnecessarily restrict aircraft movement, leading to inefficiencies in managing air traffic flow. Thus, the specified 30 degrees strikes a balance between safety and operational efficiency in maintaining separation between SVFR helicopters.