IFR Departure Assigned Heading

[201er]

On an IFR departure in which ATC assigns a departure heading (other than runway) with no further explanation, at what point are you supposed to turn onto that heading?

 

For example, the Philadelphia Nine Departure specifies:

"Takeoff Rwy 27L: Climb heading assigned by ATC thence..."

 

http://skyvector.com/files/tpp/1310/pdf/00320PHILADELPHIA.PDF
http://skyvector.com/files/tpp/1310/pdf/00320PHILADELPHIA_C.PDF

 

Let's say ATC assigns heading 220. Do you turn at a certain location, altitude, or other? The DP doesn't specify and nor does ATC.

[Txbyker]

Misread...deleted

[DonMuncy]

As soon as you are stabilized in climb.

[Cruiser]

AIM Section 2. Departure Procedures. 5.2.8 Instrument Departure Procedures (DP) - Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODP) and Standard Instrument Departures (SID)

 

 

b.1 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.

[Mooneymite]

At what altitude do you think it's safe to turn crosswind in the traffic pattern?

That'll probably work even IFR.

Generally, if you haven't started your turn by 1000' agl, tower will give you a gentle reminder.

Taking off from an uncontrolled field, your clearance will sometimes be to "enter controlled airspace" on a specific heading.....that's something you must comply with.

Most of the ops specs I've worked under (and the AIM) have specified 400' agl.

Take your pick.

[PTK]

On an IFR departure in which ATC assigns a departure heading (other than runway) with no further explanation, at what point are you supposed to turn onto that heading?

For example, the Philadelphia Nine Departure specifies:

"Takeoff Rwy 27L: Climb heading assigned by ATC thence..."

Let's say ATC assigns heading 220. Do you turn at a certain location, altitude, or other? The DP doesn't specify and nor does ATC.

The DP actually does specify. It clearly states "TAKEOFF RUNWAYS .....27L.... Climb hdg assigned by ATC."

This means exactly that. Takeoff and climbing to the specified heading.

Of course PHL is controlled. But in an uncontrolled field the standard instructions are "upon entering controlled airspace...."

[DrBill]

I get instructions like that a LOT from Raleigh tower.   Taking off to the west, they ask that I turn to 300 INSIDE THE TOWER !  So as soon as I lift off, gear up, I'm in a standard rate turn to 300 (or whatever they ask for).  It's always been on a  VFR day and I always file IFR departures. I've landed there in IMC but not departed.

BILL

[Parker_Woodruff]

You're not expected to turn until climbing thru 400' AGL.

[laytonl]

Parker and Cruiser got it. 400' and then turn. lee

[John Pleisse]

But correct me please. 35/400/200fnm is the minimum standard expected of every runway for instrument use. Or is this only to suffice, "climb runway heading" in a DP, missed or other?

[laytonl]

My understanding is that for a diverse departure procedure (I.e., no published ODP) the controller expects you to turn upon reaching 400'. I can't quote the AIM at the moment though. Lee

[M20F]

Parker and Cruiser got it. 400' and then turn. lee

400' and departure end of the runway. If you are 400' in the middle of the runway you continue to the end and then turn, both conditions need to be met.

[201er]

400' and departure end of the runway. If you are 400' in the middle of the runway you continue to the end and then turn, both conditions need to be met.

Not to sound like a dumbass... but how do you know when you've reached the end of the runway in low IMC?

[PTK]

In an IFR departure at congested class B like PHL, if you're given a heading prior to takeoff it's because you will be radar vectored by departure control. This is in contrast to the published DP. The purpose of the specified heading given prior to takeoff is because your departure will be radar vectored immediately after takeoff.

Therefore you are expected to fly this heading immediately after takeoff. This is vital info to have prior to departure in case there is radio comm loss during the dep.

[jetdriven]

The only airport I have ever been expected to fly the departure heading immediately after takeoff was DCA, there is a special procedure there, you turn as soon as the gear lever comes up, because of the prohibited area.   Otherwise its been 400' AGL, in fact its mandatory in IMC, our obstacle departure procedure and engine failure departure procedure is based on this.  Turn too early and you may hit obstacles, as the protected zone does not include turns before the end of the runway.

[midlifeflyer]

My understanding is that for a diverse departure procedure (I.e., no published ODP) the controller expects you to turn upon reaching 400'. I can't quote the AIM at the moment though. Lee

 

It's not a matter of ATC expectations. It's a matter of not hitting something.

 

The AIM reference is ¶5-2-8.b.  which starts...

 

What criteria is used to provide obstruction clearance during departure?

1. 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.

[Marauder]

400' and departure end of the runway. If you are 400' in the middle of the runway you continue to the end and then turn, both conditions need to be met. Not to sound like a dumbass... but how do you know when you've reached the end of the runway in low IMC?

Silly, you see it passing on your Aspen using SVT.