Which statement is true about Case II Helicopters departing?

• A. Maintain 500 ft until 12 NM
• B. Maintain 1000 ft until 6 NM
• C. Maintain 500 ft until 6 NM
• D. Maintain 1500 ft until 12 NM

Answer: (A)

Case II helicopter departures follow a specific altitude profile to keep rotorcraft predictable and safely separated as they leave the ship. In Case II, helicopters are kept at 500 feet and stay at that altitude until they are 12 nautical miles from the ship. This creates a stable, low-altitude flow that helps with sequencing and separation from other traffic during the initial departure phase. Once beyond 12 NM, standard procedures for climbing to en route altitudes take over.

That’s why maintaining 500 ft until 12 NM is the true statement. The other options describe different altitude/distance combinations that don’t align with how Case II rotorcraft departures are typically managed.