What is the minimum speed differential in the 44kt Rule?

The 44 knot Rule is a guideline used in air traffic control to help ensure safety and efficiency when separating aircraft during their descent, approach, or landing phases. This rule specifically focuses on maintaining a certain speed differential between airplanes to prevent potential wake turbulence encounters, which can be particularly hazardous.

According to the 44 knot Rule, there must be a minimum speed differential of 44 knots between two aircraft operating in the same airspace or on the same approach path. This margin is crucial because it helps in accounting for variations in aircraft size, weight, and performance capabilities, which might otherwise lead to challenging flight conditions if not adequately managed. The 44 knots helps mitigate the risks associated with wake turbulence, particularly from larger aircraft that can adversely affect smaller ones if they are too close in speed and proximity.

Understanding this rule is essential for maintaining safe separation and ensuring operational efficiency in air traffic management. The other options do not align with this established guideline, as they either present different minimum differentials or do not reflect the specific requirements outlined in the 44 knot Rule.