Reference Books

• Instrument Procedures Handbook. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Standards Service, 2017.
• Instrument Pilot Syllabus (10001785-003). (2016). Englewood, CO: Jeppesen

Reference Multimedia

• https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_of_the_United_States_Federal_Aviation_Administration.svg
• http://allvectorlogo.com/jeppesen-logo/
• https://pilotworkshop.com/tips/odps-and-sids/
• https://s30382.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/p1bq3urdrsvp6bmieh410410p86.jpg.webp
• https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/2303/00257MIAMI.PDF

Index

Departure Charts 

Instruments charts are published by The National Aeronautical Charting Office (NACO) and Jeppesen Sanderson, INC. NACO charts mainly focus on the United States, its territories, and possessions. Jeppesen charts have a worldwide focus. 

Instruments Departure Procedures (DPs)

The FAA designed two methods to safely clear obstacles and transition to the Enroute phase of the IFR flight. These methods are labeled as ODPs (Obstacle Departure Procedures) and SIDs (Standard Instrument Departures).

Climb Gradients

• The standard IFR departure procedure is based upon the aircraft climbing at a rate of 200 FT/NM and crossing the departure end of the runway at least at 35' AGL until reaching 400' AGL before making an initial turn.
• This allows the aircraft to clear obstacle in increments of 48' per nautical mile from the 40: 1 OCS shown on the picture below.
• If obstacles invade the 40 to 1 OCS weather minimums are raised or obstacle departure procedures established.  
• For more information refer to Chapter 5 - 2- 9 of the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).

Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs)

SIDs Main Points

• SIDs were designed graphically to allow pilots to transition from the Terminal to the Enroute phase of the IFR Flight.
• They reduce ATC and pilots workload by simplifying communication.​
• They provide obstacle clearance.
• You need an ATC clearance to fly them and you must possess their graphic form to accept one. ​
• You must comply with the published NOTES on the SID.
• If the pilot wishes not to use one he must clarify it in the remarks section of the flight plan, "NO SID"

Each SID is identified by an abbreviated name and numeral, then a dot followed by the name of exit or transition fix (MIA9.MIA)

Vector SID

Chart Features

Pilot Navigation

SID Chart Features

• A pilot NAV allows the pilot to self navigate the SID on his own with the least use of Radar Vectors.
• In order to achieve this, the SID uses departure routes and transitions as shown on the red box above.

RNAV SID

Chart Features 

• RNAV title will be on the instrument approach procedure
• The pilot navigate the SID with rnav procedures
• Aircraft must have a GPS onboard and meet specific equipment and performance standards to fly the SID

• DME
• Two different VOR to determine position and location
• RNAV must be equipped with RNAV 1 standards:

If aircraft is not equipped with a GPS

• Total system error of not more than 1 NM for 95% of total flight
• Must engage RNAV equipment no later than 500 ft above airport elevation
• CDI/Autopilot in lateral navigation mode

Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs)

• Obstacle departure procedures are designed exclusively for obstacle clearance.

• They come in textual and graphic form.

• ODPs don't require an ATC Clearance

• They can be found on the front part of the Terminal Procedures Publication or TPP.

Textual ODP 

Graphic ODP 

Diverse Vector Area (DVA)

• Departures in DVA does not follow specific ground track, but must remain within the specified area

• ATC will give you obstacle clearance by vectoring you before reaching minimum vector altitude and below IFR altitude

• Climb gradient of 200 FT/NM applies unless a higher climb gradient is specified on the SID

Departure Procedures 

• Obstacle departure procedures are designed exclusively for obstacle clearance.

• They come in textual and graphic form.

• ODPs don't require an ATC Clearance

• They can be found on the front part of the Terminal Procedures Publication or TPP.

Takeoff Minimums 

• Since §91.175(f) applies for 135 and 121 operations, for part 91 operators it is legal to depart with 0 ceiling and 0 visibiliy conditions. However, as a rule of thumb, it would be safe to go only if you know the departing weather will be above landing minimums

• Take-off Minimums were established for part 135, 129 and 121 operators who train daily to operate in low visibility and ceiling scenarios.

• If operating under part 91 these minimums  do not apply.
• If the airport has high obstacles or obstructions near the departure end of the runway, the FAA either creates an ODP or they Raise the Take off Minimums by showing a symbol depicted on the next slide. This alerts pilots and shows that either an ODP or non standard takeoff minimums exist at the airport.

Two engines or less = 1 statute Mile

More than two engines = 1/2 statute mile

• The T depicted  above (Found on the approach plates from the departing airport) indicate that KMIA has Non-Standard take Off Minimums.

"If departing from runway 8L in KMIA. The pilot should at least have 300 foot ceiling and 1 and quarter mile of visibility. If he didn't have this weather he could still depart with 1 or 1 1/12  miles (depending of the aircraft if he can maintain a 382' per NM climb gradient until reaching 300."

Climb Gradients

• The standard IFR departure procedure is based upon the aircraft climbing at a rate of 200 FT/NM and crossing the departure end of the runway at least at 35' AGL until reaching 400' AGL before making an initial turn.

• Comply with ATC clearance for SID or ODP unless non standard takeoff minimums are provided.

Visual Climb Over Airport (VCOA)

• Provides an alternative to comply with climb gradients greater than 200 FT/NM

•  VFR conditions or greater than specified visibility and ceiling

• Avoid obstacles greater than 3 SM from the departure end of the runway

• VCOAs can come as an option on graphic ODPs.

Obstacle Clearance

• Pilot is responsibility for obstacle clearance when climbing in visual conditions
   
• Obstacle clearance is based on having a normal climb gradient of 200 FT/NM
   
• Low close-in obstacles are defined as being less than 200 ft above the departure end of the runway elevation and within 1 NM from the runway end

Briefing the Departure 

Voice By John Duque

ODPs

• Only provide obstacle clearance. §91.175 (which doesn't affect 91 operations) specifies that unless ATC issues radar vectors, a SID or other alternative form of departure, pilots must adhere to and follow the published ODP.

SIDs

• SIDs expedite the flow of traffic at busy airports. Besides providing obstacle clearance, they also simplify clearance delivery procedures; however, they do require an ATC clearance. If a pilot doesn't wish to perform one, "NO SIDs" should be specified in the remarks of the FLP plan.

Departure Options (SIDs and ODPs)

Performing a SID 

To fly a SID you must have a charted procedure or at least a  textual description

Before Takeoff

Initial Climb

Fly to Departure Fix

Intercept Course

Fly Transition Course

Climb Via Clearance

• A SID that has a published altitude and speed restriction
   
• Can be received with either initial ATC departure clearance or once airborne
   
• Clears the pilot to the published Top Altitude unless ATC assigns otherwise
   
• Comply with the lateral path of the SID

Your altitude restriction is 5,000 ft

• If you depart on a climb via clearance with a top altitude, and ATC says to expect to maintain a lower altitude, you have to comply with all published altitude and airspeed restrictions prior to reaching the assigned altitude.

Obstacle Departure Procedures

Perform an ODP when

• Airplane cannot meet the SID performance or does not have the required equipment

• There is no SID for your departure or route

Vectors 

• ATC may provide vectors if you are departing from an area with ATC radar
   
• ATC initially gives out a initial heading to follow, then eventually departure control will take over and they will provide with additional vectors to follow.

• A radar departure is another option to depart an airport under IFR.
   
• If an airport doesn't have a departure procedure, you are unable to comply with one or if you selected ' NO SIDs ' you might be given a radar departure

• It is always advisable to keep awareness of your position when being radar vectored in case for some reason radar contact is lost.

• Based on the situation, a pilot should select the most suitable type of departure procedure.
• Factors such as weather, terrain, and obstacles at your departure airport should be considered.
• Questions such as: Is an ODP available that can allow me to connect with the enroute structure of my flight plan? If I choose "NO DPS," can ATC assign radar vectors for my departure? Does the weather permit a VFR departure in order to pick up my IFR clearance in the air?
• After answering these questions, always familiarize yourself with the intended departure option you've selected.

Selecting a Departure Method

VFR Departures 

• When weather conditions permit, it is possible to depart an airport under VFR conditions and pick up an IFR clearance in the air from ARTCC.
• VMC conditions must be maintained until receiving an IFR clearance in order to operate in IMC conditions.
• While on VFR, it is the pilot's responsibility to remain clear of obstacles and terrain until reaching an IFR altitude that will eventually be given by ATC.