How far should you maintain lateral clearance from the track during drift down?

Maintaining a lateral clearance from the track during drift down is crucial for ensuring safety and avoiding potential conflicts with other aircraft or obstructions. The recommended distance of 5 nautical miles is based on standard aviation practices that account for various factors, such as the size of the aircraft, wind conditions, and potential deviations in flight path. This distance ensures that there is ample space for operational safety, allowing pilots to react to any unexpected changes while descending.

The other options suggest distances that either exceed or do not meet the necessary safety margins recognized in aviation regulations. A larger lateral clearance may be unnecessary and could lead to inefficiencies or route deviations, while a smaller one could increase the risk of encountering hazards. Thus, a clearance of 5 nautical miles strikes a balance between safety and operational efficiency, which is why it is identified as the appropriate choice for lateral clearance during drift down.