Instrument Departure Procedures

AIM ¶ 5-2-9 Instrument Departure Procedures

AIM 5-2-9 explains ODPs, SIDs, and DVAs — climb gradients, takeoff obstacle notes, climb via clearances, and pilot obstacle clearance responsibilities.

In Plain English

Instrument Departure Procedures (DPs) are preplanned IFR procedures that get you safely from the runway to the en route structure while clearing obstacles. There are three flavors covered in AIM 5-2-9:

  • Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP): Published textually or graphically (graphic ODPs are titled with (OBSTACLE)). Designed for obstacle clearance and may be flown without an ATC clearance unless ATC assigns a different procedure.
  • Standard Instrument Departure (SID): Always graphic. Built for ATC workload and traffic flow as well as obstacle clearance. ATC clearance is required before flying a SID.
  • Diverse Vector Area (DVA): An area where ATC may give random radar vectors after takeoff, with terrain protection built in via TERPS.

Unless otherwise specified, departures assume you cross the DER at 35 ft, reach 400 ft AGL before turning, and maintain at least 200 FPNM climb until the minimum IFR altitude. Higher gradients, VCOA options, or increased takeoff minimums apply where obstacles penetrate the 40:1 OCS. Part 91 pilots are strongly encouraged (not required) to file a DP at night or in IMC. Obstacle clearance ultimately rests with the pilot if no ODP, SID, or DVA is being flown.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 5-2-9
5-2-9. 5-2-9. Instrument Departure Procedures (DP) - Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODP), Standard Instrument Departures (SID), and Diverse Vector Areas (DVA) Instrument departure procedures are preplanned instrument flight rule (IFR) procedures which provide obstruction clearance from the terminal area to the appropriate en route structure. There are two types of DPs, Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODP), printed either textually or graphically, and Standard Instrument Departures (SID), always printed graphically. All DPs, either textual or graphic may be designed using either conventional or RNAV criteria. RNAV procedures will have RNAV printed in the title; for example, SHEAD TWO DEPARTURE (RNAV). ODPs provide obstruction clearance via the least onerous route from the terminal area to the appropriate en route structure. ODPs are recommended for obstruction clearance and may be flown without ATC clearance unless an alternate departure procedure (SID or radar vector) has been specifically assigned by ATC. Graphic ODPs will have (OBSTACLE) printed in the procedure title; for example, GEYSR THREE DEPARTURE (OBSTACLE), or, CROWN ONE DEPARTURE (RNAV) (OBSTACLE). Standard Instrument Departures are air traffic control (ATC) procedures printed for pilot/controller use in graphic form to provide obstruction clearance and a transition from the terminal area to the appropriate en route structure. SIDs are primarily designed for system enhancement and to reduce pilot/controller workload. ATC clearance must be received prior to flying a SID. All DPs provide the pilot with a way to depart the airport and transition to the en route structure safely. A Diverse Vector Area (DVA) is an area in which ATC may provide random radar vectors during an uninterrupted climb from the departure runway until above the MVA/MIA, established in accordance with the TERPS criteria for diverse departures. The DVA provides obstacle and terrain avoidance in lieu of taking off from the runway under IFR using an ODP or SID. Pilots operating under 14 CFR part 91 are strongly encouraged to file and fly a DP at night, during marginal Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) and Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), when one is available. The following paragraphs will provide an overview of the DP program, why DPs are developed, what criteria are used, where to find them, how they are to be flown, and finally pilot and ATC responsibilities. Why are DPs necessary? The primary reason is to provide obstacle clearance protection information to pilots. A secondary reason, at busier airports, is to increase efficiency and reduce communications and departure delays through the use of SIDs. When an instrument approach is initially developed for an airport, the need for DPs is assessed. The procedure designer conducts an obstacle analysis to support departure operations. If an aircraft may turn in any direction from a runway within the limits of the assessment area (see paragraph 5-2-9 e 3 ) and remain clear of obstacles, that runway passes what is called a diverse departure assessment and no ODP will be published. A SID may be published if needed for air traffic control purposes. However, if an obstacle penetrates what is called the 40:1 obstacle identification surface, then the procedure designer chooses whether to: Establish a steeper than normal climb gradient; or Establish a steeper than normal climb gradient with an alternative that increases takeoff minima to allow the pilot to visually remain clear of the obstacle(s); or Design and publish a specific departure route; or A combination or all of the above. What criteria is used to provide obstruction clearance during departure? Unless specified otherwise, required obstacle clearance for all departures, including diverse, is based on the pilot crossing the departure end of the runway at least 35 feet above the departure end of runway elevation, climbing to 400 feet above the departure end of runway elevation before making the initial turn, and maintaining a minimum climb gradient of 200 feet per nautical mile (FPNM), unless required to level off by a crossing restriction, until the minimum IFR altitude. A greater climb gradient may be specified in the DP to clear obstacles or to achieve an ATC crossing restriction. If an initial turn higher than 400 feet above the departure end of runway elevation is specified in the DP, the turn should be commenced at the higher altitude. If a turn is specified at a fix, the turn must be made at that fix. Fixes may have minimum and/or maximum crossing altitudes that must be adhered to prior to passing the fix. In rare instances, obstacles that exist on the extended runway centerline may make an “early turn” more desirable than proceeding straight ahead. In these cases, the published departure instructions will include the language “turn left(right) as soon as practicable.” These departures will also include a ceiling and visibility minimum of at least 300 and 1. Pilots encountering one of these DPs should preplan the climb out to gain altitude and begin the turn as quickly as possible within the bounds of safe operating practices and operating limitations. This type of departure procedure is being phased out. NOTE- “Practical” or “feasible” may exist in some existing departure text instead of “practicable.” ODPs, SIDs, and DVAs assume normal aircraft performance, and that all engines are operating. Development of contingency procedures, required to cover the case of an engine failure or other emergency in flight that may occur after liftoff, is the responsibility of the operator. (More detailed information on this subject is available in Advisory Circular AC 120-91, Airport Obstacle Analysis, and in the “Departure Procedures” section of chapter 2 in the Instrument Procedures Handbook, FAA-H-8083-16.) The 40:1 obstacle identification surface (OIS) begins at the departure end of runway (DER) and slopes upward at 152 FPNM until reaching the minimum IFR altitude or entering the en route structure. This assessment area is limited to 25 NM from the airport in nonmountainous areas and 46 NM in designated mountainous areas. Beyond this distance, the pilot is responsible for obstacle clearance if not operating on a published route, if below (having not reached) the MEA or MOCA of a published route, or an ATC assigned altitude. See FIG 5-2-1. (Ref 14 CFR 91.177 for further information on en route altitudes.) NOTE- ODPs are normally designed to terminate within these distance limitations, however, some ODPs will contain routes that may exceed 25/46 NM; these routes will ensure obstacle protection until reaching the end of the ODP. FIG 5-2-1 Diverse Departure Obstacle Assessment to 25/46 NM Takeoff Obstacles. Takeoff Obstacles Notes in the “Takeoff Minimums and (OBSTACLE) Departure Procedures” section of the Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP) identifies obstacle(s) that penetrate the 40:1 OCS. The obstacle notes alert the pilot to the height and location of the obstacles relative to the DER so they can be avoided. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways: the pilot may be able to see and avoid the obstruction; early liftoff/climb performance may allow the aircraft to cross well above the obstacle(s); or if the obstacle(s) cannot be visually acquired during departure, the takeoff should be delayed or another runway selected for the IFR departure. Takeoff obstacles will be published as low, close-in and/or takeoff minimums obstacle notes. Low, close-in obstacles require a higher than standard climb gradient (within 1 NM or less from DER) to an altitude of 200 feet or less above DER elevation and do not require increased takeoff minimums. Takeoff minimums obstacles require a higher than standard climb gradient (within 2.6 NM from DER) to an altitude greater than 200 feet above the DER elevation and require increased takeoff minimums. These obstacles are published with higher than standard ceiling and visibility takeoff minimums and are published in the same obstacle listing. Obstacle notes are not required to be charted on SIDs. When a pilot is assigned a SID for departure refer to the airport entry in the TPP or the graphic ODP to obtain information on the takeoff obstacles. The FAA redefined the initial climb area criteria that are used to evaluate and identify the obstacles that penetrate the 40:1 OCS. The takeoff obstacle notes are published in a different manner and an additional minimums option is added for the departure. To ensure the pilot knows which evaluation was accomplished, the charting will be different by bolding certain headers and runway information. Until the FAA can amend all departures the legacy obstacle notes will still be published. For textual departures, the headers Takeoff Minimums, Departure Procedures, and Takeoff Obstacle Notes will be bolded and underlined. The specific runway entries under each header will continue to be bolded. For graphic departure procedures, the headers Takeoff Minimums and Takeoff Obstacle Notes will be bolded and continue to be underlined. The specific runway entries for these headers will be bolded. In the Departure Route Description section of the graphic departure, the heading will be bolded and underlined and the runway information will just be bolded. Legacy takeoff obstacle notes combine low, close-in and takeoff obstacles for each runway. New takeoff obstacle notes separate low, close-in and takeoff minimums obstacle notes. There is also a DER crossing altitude included in the notes section, providing the pilot with a DER crossing height that clears all obstacles that penetrate the 40:1 OCS. The obstacles are described with an inner limit from the DER, using the word “beginning,” expressed in 1/4 SM increments rounded down and an outer limit, using the words “extending to” expressed in 1/4 SM increments rounded up. They will also be described in relation to the extended runway centerline as “left, right, or crossing.” Crossing means they are within 100ft of the centerline. Left or right means they are greater than 100 ft from centerline. Both an MSL altitude and height above DER elevation will be provided for the obstacle that penetrates the 40:1 OCS the most. This allows the pilot to determine when the reported weather conditions are adequate to see and avoid the low, close-in obstacle(s) if aircraft performance does not permit the aircraft to climb over them. It also allows the pilot to correlate the position of the obstacles and the MSL elevation and height above DER for the controlling obstacle for the published higher than standard takeoff minimums. A DER crossing height using standard ceiling/visibility is provided as a new takeoff minimums option for pilots in addition to the current options (higher than standard ceiling/visibility or standard ceiling/visibility with a higher than standard climb gradient, or a reduced takeoff runway length with a standard climb gradient and standard ceiling/visibility). EXAMPLE- Legacy takeoff minimums and obstacle notes TAKEOFF MINIMUMS: Rwy12 L/R , 400-2 1/2 or std. w/min. climb of 261 ’ per NM to 500. TAKEOFF OBSTACLE NOTES: Rwy 14 , trees 2011' from DER, 29' left of centerline, 100' AGL/3829' MSL. Rwy 32 , trees 1009' from DER, 697' left of centerline, 100' AGL/3839' MSL. Tower 4448' from DER, 1036' left of centerline, 165' AGL/3886' MSL. EXAMPLE- New takeoff minimums and obstacle notes TAKEOFF MINIMUMS: Rwy12 L/R: 400-2 1/2 or std. w/min. climb of 261' per NM to 500 or standard and crossing DER 66' above DER Elev clears takeoff minimums obstacles. TAKEOFF OBSTACLE NOTES: Rwy 12L LOW, CLOSE-IN OBSTACLES: trees beginning 600' from DER, extending to 1/2 SM, crossing centerline, up to 156' MSL, 86' above DER, crossing DER 49' above DER Elev clears low, close-in obstacles. Rwy 12L TAKEOFF MINIMUMS OBSTACLES: buildings, crane, tower beginning 1 1/2 SM from DER, extending to 1 3/4 SM, left, right, and crossing centerline, up to 373' MSL, 284' above DER, crossing DER at 66' above DER Elev clears takeoff minimums obstacles. Rwy 12R LOW, CLOSE-IN OBSTACLES: obstacles 35' and below. Rwy 12R TAKEOFF MINIMUMS OBSTACLES: buildings, crane, tower beginning 1 1/2 SM from DER, extending to 1 3/4 SM, left, right, and crossing centerline, up to 373' MSL, 284' above DER, crossing DER at 66' above DER Elev clears takeoff minimums obstacles. Rwy 30L/R LOW, CLOSE-IN OBSTACLES: obstacles 35' and below. Compliance with 14 CFR part 121 or 135 one-engine-inoperative (OEI) departure performance requirements, or similar ICAO/State rules, cannot be assured by the sole use of takeoff obstacle note data as published in the TPP. Operators conducting these operations should refer to precise data sources (GIS database, etc.) specifically intended for OEI departure planning (see AC 120-91). Climb gradients greater than 200 FPNM are specified when required to support procedure design constraints, obstacle clearance, and/or airspace restrictions. Compliance with a climb gradient for these purposes is mandatory when the procedure is part of the ATC clearance, unless increased takeoff minimums are provided and weather conditions allow compliance with these minimums. NOTE- Climb gradients for ATC purposes are being phased out on SIDs. EXAMPLE- “Cross ALPHA intersection at or below 4000; maintain 6000.” The pilot climbs at least 200 FPNM to 6000. If 4000 is reached before ALPHA, the pilot levels off at 4000 until passing ALPHA; then immediately resumes at least 200 FPNM climb. EXAMPLE- “TAKEOFF MINIMUMS: RWY 27 , Standard with a minimum climb of 280' per NM to 2500.” A climb of at least 280 FPNM is required to 2500 and is mandatory when the departure procedure is included in the ATC clearance. NOTE- Some SIDs still retain labeled “ATC” climb gradients published or have climb gradients that are established to meet a published altitude restriction that is not required for obstacle clearance or procedure design criteria. These procedures will be revised in the course of the normal procedure amendment process. Climb gradients may be specified only to an altitude/fix, above which the normal gradient applies. An ATC-required altitude restriction published at a fix, will not have an associated climb gradient published with that restriction. Pilots are expected to determine if crossing altitudes can be met, based on the performance capability of the aircraft they are operating. EXAMPLE- “Minimum climb 340 FPNM to ALPHA.” The pilot climbs at least 340 FPNM to ALPHA, then at least 200 FPNM to MIA. A Visual Climb Over Airport (VCOA) procedure is a departure option for an IFR aircraft, operating in visual meteorological conditions equal to or greater than the specified visibility and ceiling, to visually conduct climbing turns over the airport to the published “at or above” altitude. At this point, the pilot may proceed in instrument meteorological conditions to the first en route fix using a diverse departure, or to proceed via a published routing to a fix from where the aircraft may join the IFR en route structure, while maintaining a climb gradient of at least 200 feet per nautical mile. VCOA procedures are developed to avoid obstacles greater than 3 statute miles from the departure end of the runway as an alternative to complying with climb gradients greater than 200 feet per nautical mile. Pilots are responsible to advise ATC as early as possible of the intent to fly the VCOA option prior to departure. Pilots are expected to remain within the distance prescribed in the published visibility minimums during the climb over the airport until reaching the “at or above” altitude for the VCOA procedure. If no additional routing is published, then the pilot may proceed in accordance with their IFR clearance. If additional routing is published after the “at-or-above” altitude, the pilot must comply with the route to a fix that may include a climb-in-holding pattern to reach the MEA/MIA for the en route portion of their IFR flight. These textual procedures are published in the Takeoff Minimums and (Obstacle) Departure Procedures section of the TPP and/or appear as an option on a Graphic ODP. EXAMPLE- TAKEOFF MINIMUMS: Rwy 32 , standard with minimum climb of 410' per NM to 3000' or 1100-3 for VCOA. VCOA: Rwy 32 , obtain ATC approval for VCOA when requesting IFR clearance. Climb in visual conditions to cross Broken Bow Muni/Keith Glaze Field at or above 3500' before proceeding on course. Obstacle Clearance Responsibilities. DPs are designed so that the pilot's adherence to the procedure's lateral path and vertical climb requirements will ensure obstacle protection. Obstacle clearance responsibility rests with the pilot when he/she chooses to depart IFR under 14 CFR part 91 and has not filed or been cleared for an ODP or an ATC-assigned SID or assigned headings for a DVA from the departure runway. Standard takeoff minimums are one statute mile for aircraft having two engines or less and one-half statute mile for aircraft having more than two engines. Higher than standard ceiling and visibility minimums will allow visual avoidance of the obstacles during the initial climb at the standard climb gradient. When cleared to depart IFR using the ODP, SID, VCOA, or assigned headings for DVA, pilots must reference the published takeoff minimums and takeoff obstacle notes. Since the presence of low, close-in obstacles do not require publishing increased takeoff minimums the pilot should consider, if necessary to see and avoid these obstacles, the weather at time of takeoff. Based on the position of low, close-in obstacles, weather no less than 300 ft and 1 NM may be necessary to visually avoid obstacles. Takeoff minimums obstacles are especially critical to aircraft that do not lift off until close to the departure end of the runway or which climb at the minimum rate. When departing IFR using the higher than standard takeoff minimums option, pilots are responsible for visually avoiding takeoff minimums obstacles. Pilots should also consider drift following lift-off to ensure sufficient clearance from these obstacles. The segment of the procedure that requires the pilot to see and avoid obstacles ends when the aircraft is beyond or above the ceiling and visibility published to avoid these obstacles. When departing using the VCOA, obstacle avoidance is not guaranteed if the pilot maneuvers farther from the airport than the published visibility minimum for the VCOA prior to reaching the published VCOA altitude. Pilots are responsible for maintaining clearance from low, close-in obstacles. When departing using a DVA, pilots are responsible for maintaining clearance from low, close-in obstacles. DVAs may also require a higher than standard climb gradient. Standard takeoff minimums apply when departing a runway under IFR when using the DVA. The existence of a DVA will be noted in the Takeoff Minimums and (Obstacle) Departure Procedure section of the TPP. EXAMPLE- DIVERSE VECTOR AREA (RADAR VECTORS) AMDT 1 14289 (FAA) Rwy 6R , headings as assigned by ATC; requires minimum climb of 290' per NM to 400. Rwys 6L, 7L, 7R, 24R, 25R, headings as assigned by ATC. In all cases, continued obstacle clearance is based on having climbed a minimum of 200 feet per nautical mile to the specified point and then continuing to climb at least 200 feet per nautical mile during the departure until reaching the minimum en route altitude, unless higher than standard climb gradient is published. When a higher than standard climb gradient is published and used, that climb gradient is maintained, until reaching the climb gradient termination altitude, after which the standard 200 feet per nautical mile is maintained until reaching the minimum en route altitude. NOTE- As is always the case, when used by the controller during departure, the term “radar contact” should not be interpreted as relieving pilots of their responsibility to maintain appropriate terrain and obstruction clearance, which may include flying the obstacle DP. Where are DPs located? DPs and DVAs will be listed by airport in the IFR Takeoff Minimums and (Obstacle) Departure Procedures Section, Section L, of the TPP. If the DP is textual, it will be described in TPP Section L . SIDs and complex ODPs will be published graphically and named. The name will be listed by airport name and runway in Section L. Graphic ODPs will also have the term “(OBSTACLE)” printed in the charted procedure title, differentiating them from SIDs. An ODP that has been developed solely for obstacle avoidance will be indicated with the symbol “T” on appropriate Instrument Approach Procedure (IAP) charts and DP charts for that airport. The “T” symbol will continue to refer users to TPP Section C. In the case of a graphic ODP, the TPP Section C will only contain the name of the ODP. Since there may be both a textual and a graphic DP, Section C should still be checked for additional information. The nonstandard takeoff minimums and minimum climb gradients found in TPP Section C also apply to charted DPs and radar vector departures unless different minimums are specified on the charted DP. Takeoff minimums and departure procedures apply to all runways unless otherwise specified. New graphic DPs will have all the information printed on the graphic depiction. As a general rule, ATC will only assign an ODP from a non-towered airport when compliance with the ODP is necessary for aircraft to aircraft separation. Pilots may use the ODP to help ensure separation from terrain and obstacles. Responsibilities Each pilot, prior to departing an airport on an IFR flight should: Consider the type of terrain and other obstacles on or in the vicinity of the departure airport; Determine whether an ODP is available; Determine if obstacle avoidance can be maintained visually or if the ODP should be flown; and Consider the effect of degraded climb performance and the actions to take in the event of an engine loss during the departure. Pilots should notify ATC as soon as possible of reduced climb capability in that circumstance. NOTE- Guidance concerning contingency procedures that address an engine failure on takeoff after V 1 speed on a large or turbine-powered transport category airplane may be found in AC 120-91, Airport Obstacle Analysis. Determine if a DVA is published and whether the aircraft is capable of meeting the published climb gradient. Advise ATC when requesting the IFR clearance, or as soon as possible, if unable to meet the DVA climb gradient. Check for Takeoff Obstacle Notes published in the TPP for the takeoff runway. Pilots should not exceed a published speed restriction associated with a SID waypoint until passing that waypoint. After an aircraft is established on a SID and subsequently vectored or cleared to deviate off of the SID or SID transition, pilots must consider the SID canceled, unless the controller adds “expect to resume SID;” pilots should then be prepared to rejoin the SID at a subsequent fix or procedure leg. If the SID contains published altitude and/or speed restrictions, those restrictions are canceled and pilots will receive an altitude to maintain and, if necessary, a speed. ATC may also interrupt the vertical navigation of a SID and provide alternate altitude instructions while the aircraft remains established on the published lateral path. Aircraft may be vectored off of an ODP, or issued an altitude lower than a published altitude on an ODP, at which time the ODP is canceled. In these cases, ATC assumes responsibility for terrain and obstacle clearance. In all cases, the minimum 200 FPNM climb gradient is assumed. Aircraft instructed to resume a SID procedure such as a DP or SID which contains speed and/or altitude restrictions, must be: Issued/reissued all applicable restrictions, or Advised to “Climb via SID” or resume published speed. EXAMPLE- “Resume the Solar One departure, Climb via SID.” “Proceed direct CIROS, resume the Solar One departure, Climb via SID.” A clearance for a SID which does not contain published crossing restrictions, and/or is a SID with a Radar Vector segment or a Radar Vector SID, will be issued using the phraseology “Maintain ( altitude).” A clearance for a SID which contains published altitude restrictions may be issued using the phraseology “climb via.” Climb via is an abbreviated clearance that requires compliance with the procedure lateral path, associated speed and altitude restrictions along the cleared route or procedure. Clearance to “climb via” authorizes the pilot to: When used in the IFR departure clearance, in a PDC, DCL or whencleared to a waypoint depicted on a SID, to join the procedure after departure or to resume the procedure. When vertical navigation is interrupted and an altitude is assigned to maintain which is not contained on the published procedure, to climb from that previously-assigned altitude at pilot's discretion to the altitude depicted for the next waypoint. Once established on the depicted departure, to navigate laterally and climb to meet all published or assigned altitude and speed restrictions. NOTE- 1. When otherwise cleared along a route or procedure that contains published speed restrictions, the pilot must comply with those speed restrictions independent of a climb via clearance. 2. ATC anticipates pilots will begin adjusting speed the minimum distance necessary prior to a published speed restriction so as to cross the waypoint/fix at the published speed. Once at the published speed ATC expects pilots will maintain the published speed until additional adjustment is required to comply with further published or ATC assigned speed restrictions or as required to ensure compliance with 14 CFR section 91.117. 3. If ATC interrupts lateral/vertical navigation while an aircraft is flying a SID, ATC must ensure obstacle clearance. When issuing a “climb via” clearance to join or resume a procedure ATC must ensure obstacle clearance until the aircraft is established on the lateral and vertical path of the SID. ATC will assign an altitude to cross if no altitude is depicted at a waypoint/fix or when otherwise necessary/ required, for an aircraft on a direct route to a waypoint/fix where the SID will be joined or resumed. SIDs will have a “top altitude;” the “top altitude” is the charted “maintain” altitude contained in the procedure description or assigned by ATC. REFERENCE- FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-6-2, Methods.PCG, Climb Via, Top Altitude. EXAMPLE- Lateral route clearance: “Cleared Loop Six departure.” NOTE- The aircraft must comply with the SID lateral path, and any published speed restrictions. 2. Routing with assigned altitude: “Cleared Loop Six departure, climb and maintain four thousand.” NOTE- The aircraft must comply with the SID lateral path, and any published speed restriction while climbing unrestricted to four thousand. 3. (A pilot filed a flight plan to the Johnston Airport using the Scott One departure, Jonez transition, then Q-145. The pilot filed for FL350. The Scott One includes altitude restrictions, a top altitude and instructions to expect the filed altitude ten minutes after departure). Before departure ATC uses PDC, DCL or clearance delivery to issue the clearance:“Cleared to Johnston Airport, Scott One departure, Jonez transition, Q-OneForty-five. Climb via SID.” NOTE- In Example 3, the aircraft must comply with the Scott One departure lateral path and any published speed and altitude restrictions while climbing to the SID top altitude. 4. (Using the Example 3 flight plan, ATC determines the top altitude must be changed to FL180). The clearance will read: “Cleared to Johnston Airport, Scott One departure, Jonez transition, Q-One Forty-five, Climb via SID except maintain flight level one eight zero.” NOTE- In Example 4, the aircraft must comply with the Scott One departure lateral path and any published speed and altitude restrictions while climbing to FL180. The aircraft must stop climb at FL180 until issued further clearance by ATC. 5. (An aircraft was issued the Suzan Two departure, “climb via SID” in the IFR departure clearance. After departure ATC must change a waypoint crossing restriction). The clearance will be:“Climb via SID except cross Mkala at or above seven thousand.” NOTE- In Example 5, the aircraft will comply with the Suzan Two departure lateral path and any published speed and altitude restrictions and climb so as to cross Mkala at or above 7,000; remainder of the departure must be flown as published. 6. (An aircraft was issued the Teddd One departure, “climb via SID” in the IFR departure clearance. An interim altitude of 10,000 was issued instead of the published top altitude of FL 230). After departure ATC is able to issue the published top altitude. The clearance will be: “Climb via SID.” NOTE- In Example 6, the aircraft will track laterally and vertically on the Teddd One departure and initially climb to 10,000; Once re-issued the “climb via” clearance the interim altitude is canceled aircraft will continue climb to FL230 while complying with published restrictions. 7. (An aircraft was issued the Bbear Two departure, “climb via SID” in the IFR departure clearance. An interim altitude of 16,000 was issued instead of the published top altitude of FL 190). After departure, ATC is able to issue a top altitude of FL300 and still requires compliance with the published SID restrictions. The clearance will be: “Climb via SID except maintain flight level three zero zero.” NOTE- In Example 7, the aircraft will track laterally and vertically on the Bbear Two departure and initially climb to 16,000; Once re-issued the “climb via” clearance the interim altitude is canceled and the aircraft will continue climb to FL300 while complying with published restrictions. 8. (An aircraft was issued the Bizee Two departure, “climb via SID.” After departure, ATC vectors the aircraft off of the SID, and then issues a direct routing to rejoin the SID at Rockr waypoint which does not have a published altitude restriction. ATC wants the aircraft to cross at or above 10,000). The clearance will read:“Proceed direct Rockr, cross Rockr at or above one-zero thousand, climb via the Bizee Two departure.” NOTE- In Example 8, the aircraft will join the Bizee Two SID at Rockr at or above 10,000 and then comply with the published lateral path and any published speed or altitude restrictions while climbing to the SID top altitude. 9. (An aircraft was issued the Suzan Two departure, “climb via SID” in the IFR departure clearance. After departure ATC vectors the aircraft off of the SID, and then clears the aircraft to rejoin the SID at Dvine waypoint, which has a published crossing restriction). The clearance will read: “Proceed direct Dvine, Climb via the Suzan Two departure.” NOTE- In Example 9, the aircraft will join the Suzan Two departure at Dvine, at the published altitude, and then comply with the published lateral path and any published speed or altitude restrictions. Pilots cleared for vertical navigation using the phraseology “climb via” must inform ATC, upon initial contact, of the altitude leaving and any assigned restrictions not published on the procedure. EXAMPLE- (Cactus 711 is cleared to climb via the Laura Two departure. The Laura Two has a top altitude of FL190): “Cactus Seven Eleven leaving two thousand, climbing via the Laura Two departure.” (Cactus 711 is cleared to climb via the Laura Two departure, but ATC changed the top altitude to16,000): “Cactus Seven Eleven leaving two thousand for one-six thousand, climbing via the Laura Two departure.” If prior to or after takeoff an altitude restriction is issued by ATC, all previously issued “ATC" altitude restrictions are canceled including those published on a SID. Pilots must still comply with all speed restrictions and lateral path requirements published on the SID unless canceled by ATC. EXAMPLE- Prior to takeoff or after departure ATC issues an altitudechange clearance to an aircraft cleared to climb via a SID but ATC no longer requires compliance with published altitude restrictions:“Climb and maintain flight level two four zero.” NOTE- The published SID altitude restrictions are canceled; The aircraft should comply with the SID lateral path and begin an unrestricted climb to FL240. Compliance with published speed restrictions is still required unless specifically deleted by ATC. Altitude restrictions published on an ODP are necessary for obstacle clearance and/or design constraints. Crossing altitudes and speed restrictions on ODPs cannot be canceled or amended by ATC. PBN Departure Procedures All public PBN SIDs and graphic ODPs are normally designed using RNAV 1, RNP 1, or A-RNP NavSpecs. These procedures generally start with an initial track or heading leg near the departure end of runway (DER). In addition, these procedures require system performance currently met by GPS or DME/DME/IRU PBN systems that satisfy the criteria discussed in the latest AC 90-100, U.S. Terminal and En Route Area Navigation (RNAV) Operations. RNAV 1 and RNP 1 procedures must maintain a total system error of not more than 1 NM for 95 percent of the total flight time. Minimum values for A-RNP procedures will be charted in the PBN box (for example, 1.00 or 0.30). In the U.S., a specific procedure's PBN requirements will be prominently displayed in separate, standardized notes boxes. For procedures with PBN elements, the “PBN box” will contain the procedure's NavSpec(s); and, if required: specific sensors or infrastructure needed for the navigation solution, any additional or advanced functional requirements, the minimum RNP value, and any amplifying remarks. Items listed in this PBN box are REQUIRED for the procedure's PBN elements. 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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What are the three types of instrument departure procedures and which require an ATC clearance?
Per AIM 5-2-9, the three are Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs), Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), and Diverse Vector Areas (DVAs). SIDs always require an ATC clearance. ODPs may be flown without ATC clearance unless ATC has assigned a SID or radar vectors. DVAs are flown via ATC-assigned headings.
Q2What is the standard climb gradient and obstacle clearance assumption for an IFR departure?
Per AIM 5-2-9, unless otherwise specified, the pilot is assumed to cross the departure end of the runway (DER) at least 35 ft above DER elevation, climb to 400 ft above DER before the initial turn, and maintain a minimum climb gradient of 200 feet per nautical mile until reaching the minimum IFR altitude.
Q3What does a 'climb via' clearance authorize, and what must the pilot report on initial contact?
Per AIM 5-2-9, 'climb via' authorizes the pilot to comply with the SID's lateral path and all published speed and altitude restrictions while climbing to the SID's top altitude. On initial contact with the next controller, the pilot must report the altitude leaving and any assigned restrictions not published on the procedure.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5
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AIM 5-2-9 — Instrument Departure Procedures