What action should an aircraft take during Case II departures regarding heading changes?

During Case II departures, the standard procedure requires that an aircraft performs a 20-degree turn after take-off. This action is critical for maintaining safe separation from other aircraft and ensuring a smooth transition during departure when visibility and conditions are somewhat limited.

The 20-degree turn allows pilots to effectively establish the desired flight path while managing altitude and speed in a controlled manner, which is especially important in a busy airspace environment typical of case II operations. This degree of turn is a balance that provides a safe maneuvering margin without oversteering, which could lead to confusion or increased workload for pilots.

In general, larger turn angles would not be appropriate as they could result in excessive deviation from the intended departure route, potentially leading to conflicts with other air traffic. The focus on a 20-degree change helps to maintain organized flow and reduces the risk of operational errors in various flight conditions.