Instrument Departure Procedure Question

JaceTheAce

JaceTheAce

Well-Known Member
Where in the reg's does it say that a pilot must follow the 400' feet AGL turn-on-course rule? (Obviously unless ATC says to continue flying runway heading).

I've searched everywhere in the FAR/AIM! :D
 
It's not in the regs or AIM, it's a procedure design criteria in TERPs. You can turn earlier, absent specific local rules, but you are not normally guaranteed obstruction clearance if you do. Most airlines have made in mandatory by putting it in their company ops manuals, however.
 
JaceTheAce said:
I've searched everywhere in the FAR/AIM! :D
Click to expand...

AIM

5-2-6. Instrument Departure Procedures (DP) - Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODP) and Standard Instrument Departures (SID)
...
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.
 
Oh, well, heck, I guess it IS in the IAM! Well, paint my face red on that one, but it still comes out of the TERPs and is an obstruction clearance thing.
 
JaceTheAce said:
Where in the reg's does it say that a pilot must follow the 400' feet AGL turn-on-course rule? (Obviously unless ATC says to continue flying runway heading).

I've searched everywhere in the FAR/AIM! :D
Click to expand...


As an FYI, we aren't allowed to turn until 1000' AGL (unless a higher altitude is specified) in IMC, or in a special situation like departing Washington-Reagan (DCA) northbound.

I don't believe it says in there you MUST turn at exactly 400', as your post eludes to.
 
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