IFR Departures

Question 1

Do published minimum climb gradients ensure airspace containment?

Answer 1

No

Question 2

When are advisory gradients for airspace containment stated?

Answer 2

Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch: all departures where gradient is greater than obstacle clearance gradient

All Others: only where gradient is greater than 5%

Question 3

What gradient is used to evaluate airspace containment requirements?

Answer 3

5%

Question 4

What obstacles can a departure procedure not take into account?

Answer 4

Close in obstacles that are 60m (200ft) or less above the departure end of the runway.
Will be stated on departure instructions

Question 5

What speed/altitude restrictions can ATC amend or cancel?

Answer 5

Those annotated by the symbol (o with four prongs)

Question 6

What can a departure procedure be?

Answer 6

• Visual
• Published Procedure
• Track, Radar Heading or Radar SID in evaluated climb sector
• Climb on track above distance or VORSEC chart steps

Question 7

What are the restrictions on a visual departure?

Answer 7

Day only
Maintain visual terrain clearance to applicable MSA or set heading point or altitude

Question 8

When climbing in an evaluated climb sector, from when do you have to maintain the climb gradient?

Answer 8

From takeoff

Question 9

When can you turn after departure to intercept track?

Answer 9

Minimum of 400ft (higher if stated)

Question 10

If climbing through two evaluated sectors, which sector gradient applies from takeoff?

Answer 10

The higher sector

Question 11

If on the track/radial dividing two evaluated climb sectors, which gradient applies?

Answer 11

The lower gradient

Question 12

Rate of climb formula

Answer 12

Gradient % X Ground Speed (kts) X 1.013

Question 13

Gradient Formula

Answer 13

VSI(ft/min)
———————————
Ground Speed X 1.013

Question 14

Gradient formula approximation

Answer 14

VSI/Ground Speed.
Works to 1dp up to 4%. From 4.1-12%, apply a -0.1 correction factor

Question 15

Where does the SID start?

Answer 15

From 16ft above the departure end of the runway

Question 16

Does segment MSA on a departure ensure airspace containment?

Answer 16

No - only obstacle clearance

Question 17

SID minimum performance requirements

Answer 17

3.3% (200ft per NM)
Climb on centreline to 400ft above departure end of the runway before turning

Question 18

Maximum IAS on SID assumption

Answer 18

Assumes average bank angle achieved of 15 degrees

Question 19

When does the SID terminate?

Answer 19

When the aircraft is established on the cleared route

Question 20

What is the standard IFR takeoff minima?

Answer 20

300ft and 1500m
Can be stated higher on aerodrome chart

Question 21

What is reduced IFR takeoff minima?

Answer 21

0-800

Question 22

What are reduced takeoff minima requirements?

Answer 22

• centreline marking or lighting
• takeoff weather visibility confirmed by pilot by observing centreline marking/lighting
• Reduced takeoff minima permitted on that runway
• Obstacles in takeoff flight path are taken into account
• Two-engine prop driven: auto-feather or auto-coarse fitted and operable

Question 23

Can you take off below reduced takeoff minima?

Answer 23

Yes. Conditions:
• Holder of an AOC
• Comply with appropriate provisions (operated IAW company exposition)
• Serviceable secondary power supply and automatic switch-over available

Question 24

How is SID gradient determined?

Answer 24

If no obstructions: 3.3% standard

If obstructions: obstacle clearance gradient plus 0.8% margin