In what situation can the 44kt Rule be applied?

The 44kt Rule is designed to enhance safety by ensuring adequate separation between departing aircraft and enroute aircraft. This rule applies specifically in situations where a departing aircraft follows an enroute aircraft that has recently reported over the same navigational fix.

In this scenario, the departing aircraft must maintain a certain speed—typically not exceeding 44 knots relative to the aircraft that just passed over the fix—to create appropriate spacing and avoid potential wake turbulence or conflicts. This is crucial in managing the flow of air traffic, as it helps ensure that the departing aircraft does not overtake the enroute aircraft too closely, thereby enhancing safety during takeoff and initial climb.

The other situations presented, such as both aircraft approaching the same airport, flying on different airways, or flying at the same altitude, do not directly relate to the specific guidelines of the 44kt Rule, which is focused on the interaction between departing and enroute aircraft at the same navigational point. Therefore, the context of aircraft operations in option B makes it the correct application of the 44kt Rule.