Departure radials are based off the _______ for providing lateral separation.

Departure radials are based off VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) stations for providing lateral separation. VOR is a type of radio navigation system for aircraft and a key component in the air traffic control infrastructure, allowing pilots to determine their heading relative to a fixed ground station.

These radials are used to establish standard departure routes from an airport, ensuring that aircraft maintain consistent paths as they climb and head out into the airspace. This helps prevent lateral conflicts between aircraft as they depart, contributing to overall safety and efficiency in air traffic management.

Although GPS, TACAN/JPALS, and ILS are also important navigation aids, they serve different purposes. GPS is a satellite-based navigation system that provides precise positioning but does not create radials in the same context as VOR does. TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) is primarily used by military aircraft and provides similar functionality to VOR, while JPALS (Joint Precision Approach and Landing System) is designed for landing, not departures. ILS (Instrument Landing System) provides guidance for aircraft during the approach to landing, not for lateral separation on departure.