Definition
The angle formed between the paths of two radio signals, lines of position, or navigation tracks as they spread apart from a common point. In navigation, it specifically refers to the angle between two lines of position used to determine a fix — the closer this angle is to 90 degrees, the more accurate the fix.
Plain English
The angle at which two lines or signal paths spread apart from each other after starting from the same point. When using two navigation lines to figure out where you are, this angle tells you how reliable that position is.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, ducting, intake, exhaust, and airflow discussions where a passage or flow path widens.
Derivation
From Latin 'divergere' — 'di-' meaning apart and 'vergere' meaning to bend or turn. So 'divergence' literally means bending apart. The angle of divergence is simply the angle at which two things bend away from each other.
Why Pilots Care
Proper divergence angles ensure navigation lights or signals remain visible over the required area for safe approaches and tracking.
Analogy
A flashlight beam has a narrow or wide spread. The angle of divergence is like measuring how wide that beam opens as it moves away from the flashlight.
Intuition Check
Divergence does not mean a disagreement here. It means two sides, paths, or flows spreading farther apart.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot chose two VOR stations whose bearings produced a large angle of divergence to get the most accurate position fix.
Example Sentence 2
A larger angle of divergence in the signal beam gives wider coverage but reduces intensity at longer ranges.