Departure Procedures (DP) and Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODP's)

DP's (Departure Procedures) - Are preplanned instrument Flight rule departure procedures. There are two types of departure procedures

ODP (Obstacle Departure Procedures)

• will be noted on an approach chart by (obstacle) in the title.
• An ODP designed specifically for obstacle avoidance will be indicated by a "T" on the chart.
• Must be complied with if accepted in a clearance.
• ATC is to be notified if you do not have DP available by noting it in flight plan "no DP" or by advising ATC.
• The pilot must have at least a text description or of DP.

Standard Instrument Departures (SID) - Are designed for system enhancement (traffic flow) and to reduce pilot and controller work loads.

• Must be complied with if accepted in a clearance.
• ATC is to be notified if you do not have DP available by noting it in flight plan "no DP" or by advising ATC.
• The pilot must have at least a text description or of DP.
  

Note: Instrument Flying Handbook states: ODP’s are recommended for obstruction clearance and may be flown without ATC clearance unless an alternated departure procedure (SID or radar vectors) has been specifically assigned by ATC. Under FAR 91 the pilot accepts Obstacle clearance responsibility when the pilot chooses to climb in visual conditions in lieu of flying a DP and/or depart under higher takeoff minimums rather than fly the climb gradient. Under FAR 91.175 those operating under FAR 121,125, 129, 135 it is mandatory that the pilot fly the ODP in actual instrument conditions or meet the visual requirements fot the ODP.

ATC accepts responsibility for obstacle avoidance if you recieve radar vectors on departure. It would be very wise to always fly the ODP procedure when operating under FAR 91 or you basically have no protection unless assigned an alternate departure clearance or radar vectors. Remember if you are cleared from a navigation aid that may be on the airport direct to another navigation aid and a ODP exist on the airport you should fly the ODP. Many accidents have occured in navigating in such a manner where terrain is present.

Robbie Johnson
Chief Pilot
Aviation Training Us LLC