IFR Obstacle Departure Procedures
11-06-2006, 10:45 PM
#1
Gets Weekends Off
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Joined APC: Apr 2006
Position: UAL 756 FO
Posts: 169
IFR Obstacle Departure Procedures
Question One:
When an IFR airport has an obstacle departure procedure and specifies a “climbing right turn to 3000,” …exactly what is the lowest altitude that this turn may be started? Note this is not “Turn right as soon as practicable.” AIM 5-2-7 b1 says “Unless specified otherwise …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.” So is a climbing turn “specified otherwise”? May I began this turn 35 feet above the departure end of the runway or do I have to wait until 400 AGL? Of course this is not considering pilot judgment turning at low altitude. If the ODP states “turn as soon as practicable” then what is the lowest HAA that the turn may begin?
Question Two:
If a runway is listed as “NA” on the obstacle departure – then when operating under an IFR clearance is there ANY possible way to still depart from that runway. One idea that I heard was that if weather conditions permit (you can see the mountain 2 miles off the departure end of the runway) then you may still depart that runway under an IFR clearance (uncontrolled airport) and VISUALLY avoid the obstacle to get on the ODP route. This would make sense, but from a legal standpoint is it ok to takeoff from a runway not authorized while operating under an IFR clearance?
When an IFR airport has an obstacle departure procedure and specifies a “climbing right turn to 3000,” …exactly what is the lowest altitude that this turn may be started? Note this is not “Turn right as soon as practicable.” AIM 5-2-7 b1 says “Unless specified otherwise …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.” So is a climbing turn “specified otherwise”? May I began this turn 35 feet above the departure end of the runway or do I have to wait until 400 AGL? Of course this is not considering pilot judgment turning at low altitude. If the ODP states “turn as soon as practicable” then what is the lowest HAA that the turn may begin?
Question Two:
If a runway is listed as “NA” on the obstacle departure – then when operating under an IFR clearance is there ANY possible way to still depart from that runway. One idea that I heard was that if weather conditions permit (you can see the mountain 2 miles off the departure end of the runway) then you may still depart that runway under an IFR clearance (uncontrolled airport) and VISUALLY avoid the obstacle to get on the ODP route. This would make sense, but from a legal standpoint is it ok to takeoff from a runway not authorized while operating under an IFR clearance?
11-07-2006, 05:07 AM
#3
Piper Commander
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Position: PA44 - Right
Posts: 302
Originally Posted by KiloAlpha
I was taught to wait until 400', but I can't actually back that up with a reg or AIM statement at the moment.
11-07-2006, 05:14 AM
#5
Chief Jeppesen Updater
Joined APC: Oct 2005
Position: Executive Transport Driver
Posts: 3,080
From the AIM (5-2-6, 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 abouve the departure end of runway elevation beofre making the initial turn, and maintaining a minimum climb gradient of 200 feet per nautical mile, unless required to level off by a crossing restriction, until the minimum IFR altitude.
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 abouve the departure end of runway elevation beofre making the initial turn, and maintaining a minimum climb gradient of 200 feet per nautical mile, unless required to level off by a crossing restriction, until the minimum IFR altitude.
11-07-2006, 05:47 AM
#8
Chief Jeppesen Updater
Joined APC: Oct 2005
Position: Executive Transport Driver
Posts: 3,080
Located in the same section of the AIM... 5-2-6:
c. Who is responsible for obstacle clearance? DPs are designed so that adherence to the procedure by the pilot will ensure obstacle protection. Additionally:
1. Obstacle clearance responsibility also rests with the pilot when he/she chooses to climb in visual conditions in lieu of flying a DP and/or depart under increased takeoff minima rather than fly the climb gradient.
1. Obstacle clearance responsibility also rests with the pilot when he/she chooses to climb in visual conditions in lieu of flying a DP and/or depart under increased takeoff minima rather than fly the climb gradient.
e. Responsibilities.
1. Each pilot, prior to departing an airport on an IFR flight should consider the type of terrain and other obstacles on or in the vicinity of the departure airport; and:
2. Determine whether an ODP is available; and
3. Determine if obstacle avoidance can be maintained visually or if the ODP should be flown; and
4. Consider the effect of degraded climb performance and the actions to take in the event of an engine loss during the departure.
1. Each pilot, prior to departing an airport on an IFR flight should consider the type of terrain and other obstacles on or in the vicinity of the departure airport; and:
2. Determine whether an ODP is available; and
3. Determine if obstacle avoidance can be maintained visually or if the ODP should be flown; and
4. Consider the effect of degraded climb performance and the actions to take in the event of an engine loss during the departure.
11-07-2006, 08:35 AM
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Furloughed
Posts: 275
About Q#2, I worked as a CFI at KVUO in Vancouver, WA. You may not depart IFR on runway 26 because of towers and a bridge in the departure path for 26. ATC tells you this on the ground, just to make sure you know. But as you said, if conditions permit, you may depart VFR and pick up your clearance in the air, or simply be responsible for your own obstacle clearance after picking up your clearance on the ground - and they'll make that very clear. Sorry for the quick response, too busy right now to look up a reg.
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