Departure - Departure Procedures

Question 1

What minimums are necessary to IFR takeoff under 14 CFR part 91? Under 121, 125, 129, or 135?

Answer 1

Part 91: there are no takeoff minimums
Part 121, 125, 129, or 135:
Two engines or less need 1 SM visibility
More than two engines need 1/2 SM visibiltiy

Question 2

What is considered “good operating practice” in determining takeoff minimums for IFR flight?

Answer 2

If IAP exists use the same minimums from the approach.

If no IAP use basic VFR or 1,000’ and 3 SM visibility

Question 3

What are DPs and why are they necessary?

Answer 3

Primarily used for obstacle clearance from the terminal area. Also used to increase efficiency, reduce communications, and delays

Question 4

What are the two type of DPs?

Answer 4

ODPs (obstacle departure procedures):
-Textual/graphical to provide obstacle clearance
-Can be used without ATC clearance
SIDs (standard instrument departures)
-Always graphical
-For obstacle clearance and system efficiency

Question 5

What are the two types of SIDs?

Answer 5

Pilot navigation SIDs: Use own navigation to minimize communication
Vector SIDs: Requires ATC vectors to a fix on the SID

Question 6

What criteria are used to provide obstruction clearance during departure?

Answer 6

• Crossing departure end of runway 35’
• Climbing to 400’ before initial turn
• 200’ fnm

Question 7

Where are DPs located?

Answer 7

Listed in IFR takeoff minimums and (obstacle) departure procedure
Terminal Procedures Publications (TPPs)

Question 8

Must you accept a SID if assigned one?

Answer 8

If you cannot comply or do not wish to follow a SID put “NO SIDs” in flight plan

Question 9

How does a pilot determine if takeoff minimums are not standard and/or departure procedures are published for an airport?

Answer 9

If an airport has non-standard takeoff minimums a “Negative T” will be on the instrument procedure chart

Question 10

Prior to departing an airport on an IFR flight, a pilot should determine whether they will be able to ensure adequate separation from terrain and obstacles. What information should this include?

Answer 10

• Type of terrain/obstacles or in vicinity of departure airport
• If ODP is available
• If obstacle avoidance can be maintained visually or ODP is required
• Effects of degraded climb gradient and actions for engine loss on departure

Question 11

If anODP has been published for the runway you are departing from, are you required to follow it?

Answer 11

No, if it is not apart of your clearance in part 91 compliance is pilots choice

Question 12

When a DP specifies a climb gradient in excess of 200 feet per nautical mile, what significance should this have to the pilot?

Answer 12

That the obstacle penetrates the 40:1 slope obstacle identification surface so the procedure needed to:

 - Establish steeper climb gradient
 - Establish steeper climb gradient with alternative that increases takeoff minima to ensure clearance
 - Publish a specific route
 - or all of the above

Question 13

A climb gradient of 300 feet per nautical mile at a ground speed of 100 knots require what rate of climb? (Terminal Procedure Rate of Climb/Descent table)

Answer 13

(Ground speed/60 minutes) x (climb gradient) = feet per minute

Question 14

What is the recommended climb rate procedure when issued a climb to an assigned altitude by ATC?

Answer 14

Descend/climb at the optimum rate for operating characteristics to 1,000’ above/below assigned altitude
Then climb/descend 500’ - 1,500’ fpm to assigned altitude
*Unless ATC advises “pilot’s discretion”

Question 15

All public RNAV SIDs and graphic ODPs are RNAN1. What does this mean?

Answer 15

RNAV 1 terminal procedures require aircraft’s track keeping accuracy remain with +1 NM for 95% of total flight time
Unless authorized by ATC to deviate or in emergency

Question 16

Explain the “Visual Climb Over Airport” (VCOA) procedure. When would a pilot use this procedure?

Answer 16

VCOA departure for IFR aircraft operating in VMC equal to or greater than specified visibility and ceiling. Used to avoid obstacle greater than 3 miles from the departure end of runway
-Published in “Takeoff minimums and (Obstacle) Departure Procedures”

Question 17

During your departure, while flying an ODP, you hear the controller state “Radar contact.” Does this mean that ATC will now provide terrain and obstacle clearance for you flight?

Answer 17

No, ATC is only responsible for clearance when giving radar vectors