How many degrees of heading change are needed for a clearing turn on a Case II departure?

In aviation, specifically regarding Case II departures, a clearing turn is crucial for maintaining safety and situational awareness while departing from an airport, especially in controlled airspace. A Case II departure typically involves certain procedures that pilots must follow to ensure they safely transition into the air traffic control system.

The requirement for a 20-degree heading change during a clearing turn is established in order to effectively clear the airspace and ensure that other aircraft are accounted for. This degree of change provides a sufficient margin for pilots to visually scan for other traffic, adjust their flight path, and ensure that they are not entering the path of any potential conflicts.

A turn of this magnitude balances the need to initiate a safe climb and departure while allowing for adequate visibility and control during the maneuver. It is an integral part of adhering to safe operational practices as established by aviation regulations and guidelines for heading changes during departures. Thus, the selection of a 20-degree heading change aligns with established protocols that prioritize safety in the departure phase of flight.