What is the required separation distance for aircraft provided positive control with a radar that does not rotate in excess of 7 rpm inside of 12 NM of the ship?

The required separation distance for aircraft under positive control with a radar that does not rotate in excess of 7 revolutions per minute (rpm) inside of 12 nautical miles from the ship is 5 miles. This requirement is based on ensuring sufficient lateral separation to maintain safety during operations, especially considering the limitations of the radar's capability to effectively track and update the positions of multiple aircraft.

In this context, using radar systems that rotate at lower speeds creates a need for increased separation compared to radars with higher rotation speeds, allowing for more accurate position updates. The 5-mile separation standard helps mitigate the risk of collisions and enhances overall safety during air traffic operations in the vicinity of the ship.

Other listed distances, such as 3 miles, 10 miles, and 7 miles, do not align with the established separation guidance for this specific radar capability and operational range. Therefore, the choice of 5 miles reflects the regulatory requirements and operational safety standards.