Final Answer:
Along off-airway tracks, the "airspace to be protected" extends for a distance of 25 NM each side of the portion of the track that lies beyond navigational and signal coverage range.
Step-by-step explanation:
In aviation, off-airway tracks refer to routes that do not have defined navigational aids or signal coverage for guidance. The airspace to be protected alongside these tracks is crucial for ensuring the safety of aircraft operating in areas where navigational aids might not be available. The protected airspace extends for a distance of 25 nautical miles (NM) on each side of the portion of the track that lies beyond the range of navigational and signal coverage.
This protected airspace acts as a safety buffer, providing a margin for aircraft to maneuver and navigate safely in the absence of traditional navigational aids. The 25 NM boundary on either side of the track ensures that aircraft flying along off-airway tracks have adequate space to maintain their intended route, accounting for potential deviations or adjustments necessary due to unforeseen circumstances or navigational challenges.
The delineation of a 25 NM protected airspace on each side of the off-airway track emphasizes the importance of ensuring sufficient safety margins for aircraft operating in areas with limited navigational aid coverage. This designated airspace allows for increased flexibility and safety, enabling aircraft to navigate with a reasonable margin of error and ensuring a level of safety comparable to that provided along established airways with robust navigational infrastructure.