¶ Types of Departure Procedures
¶ Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIc_RI6hyK4
¶ Standard Instrument Departures (SID)
SIDs are designed to minimize confusion and increase capacity at busy airports. They provide specific instructions for aircraft departing from controlled airports.
There are three types of SIDs: radar departures, RNAV departures, and hybrid SIDs. Radar departures involve flying a pre-planned heading and altitude after takeoff and then receiving vectors from air traffic control (ATC). RNAV departures use pre-planned routes that the pilot is responsible for flying. Hybrid SIDs combine radar vectors and pre-planned route transitions.
¶ Radar Vectors
When departing from an airport with a radar departure procedure, you will fly a specific heading and altitude after takeoff. Once ATC establishes radar contact with your aircraft, they will provide vectors to your assigned route or fix.
¶ Example
If you are departing from Runway 34, you would fly runway heading to 1000 feet, then turn to a heading of 295 degrees. After ATC makes radar contact with your aircraft, they may vector you to one of the fixes listed on the departure plate.
Radar departures require good two-way communication with ATC and radar contact. It’s important to be familiar with the specific instructions and any non-standard lost communications procedures listed on the departure plate.
¶ RNAV
RNAV departures, also known as pilot-navigated departures, use pre-planned routes that the pilot is responsible for flying. These departures minimize communication with ATC by assigning the departure in the flight clearance. The pilot then follows the prescribed route without further instructions from ATC.
¶ Example
Let’s say you are departing from Runway 1 Left or 1 Right (KSFO). The RNAV departure route instructs you to climb on a specific heading to a certain altitude, then make a turn to a designated fix. The route description will provide the specific headings, altitudes, and fixes for the departure.
RNAV departures are efficient and reduce communication and confusion between the pilot and ATC. Pilots with GPS equipment can program the departure route into their navigation systems for easy navigation.
¶ Hybrid
Hybrid SIDs combine radar vectors and pre-planned route transitions. These departures require both radar contact with ATC and pilot navigation along designated routes.
¶ Example
The LIFFR departure at Miami Intl Airport is a hybrid SID. It involves initially flying RNAV, then radar vectors to a fix, followed by a pre-planned route transition. Pilots are responsible for flying the radar vectors and following the prescribed route.
It’s important to note that some airports have diverse vector areas, which allow ATC to provide radar vectors at lower altitudes. Pilots should be aware of any non-standard climb gradients or minimum altitudes associated with these departures.
¶ Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODP)
ODPs are designed for airports with terrain or obstructions that may encroach on the standard climb gradient. ODPs provide specific instructions to ensure safe departure from these airports.
ATC does not assign ODPs.They typically include specific climb gradients and altitude restrictions to ensure obstacle clearance. Pilots should be familiar with the ODP for their departure airport and adhere to the specified procedures.
¶ Non-Standard Takeoff Minimums
Some airports have non-standard takeoff minimums, which specify higher climb gradients or visual climb procedures. These minimums may be required for diverse vector areas or other specific conditions.
Pilots should be aware of these minimums and ensure their aircraft can meet the required climb gradients.