Standard Instrument Departures

Question 1

Why are SID’s published?

Answer 1

• Noise abatement
• Airspace segregation for ATC
• Obstacle clearance requirements
• Maximum traffic flexibility (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 2

Do SID’s take obstacle clearances into account in case of engine failure or other emergencies?

Answer 2

No, SID’s do not take the loss of aircraft performance into account. (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 3

Can an aircraft already airborne fly a SID?

Answer 3

Yes, as long as the aircraft is visually positioned over the rwy centreline and all altitudes are adhered to. (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 4

What is the difference between a procedural and a radar SID?

Answer 4

Procedural SID’s give specific tracks, headings, turns and altitudes to intercept the flight planned route.
Radar SID’s give the initial track (usually rwy heading) and the altitude where a specific turn shall be made as specified by ATC. (e.g.: SY5DEP) (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 5

Should a pilot compensate for wind when following specific SID tracks?

Answer 5

Yes. (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 6

Should a pilot compensate for wind when following headings given by ATC on a radar SID?

Answer 6

No. (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 7

What is the standard required climb gradient on a SID?

Answer 7

3.3% (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 8

Can required climb gradients on a SID be higher than the usual 3.3%?

Answer 8

Yes. If so the gradient will be specified and the altitude at which 3.3% may be resumed will also be specified on the chart. (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 9

If there is a climb gradient figure in brackets behind a standard climb gradient on a SID chart, what does this mean?

Answer 9

The figure in brackets indicated the required climb gradient for aircraft required to remain in controlled airspace on a SID. (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 10

Is a SID chart drawn to scale?
Are the bearings in degrees true or magnetic?
What are altitudes referenced to?

Answer 10

No.
Magnetic.
QNH. (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 11

Are SID’s available for use by all aircraft?

Answer 11

Yes, unless specifically designated otherwise. (e.g.: Jets Only) (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 12

How are radar SID’s identified?

Answer 12

By the name of the city where the aerodrome is located or the name of the aerodrome and the amendment status. (e.g.: SY5DEP) (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 13

Can an aircraft take-off if it hasn’t received the specific departure heading on a radar SID?

Answer 13

No. (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 14

Up to what point does a radar SID provide obstacle clearance?

Answer 14

To the point of reaching the LSALT. When being radar vectored ATC will provide clearance according to MVA. (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 15

When must a jet aircraft commence acceleration on a SID? And what speed must they accelerate to?

Answer 15

Upon passing 3000ft AGL, accelerate to 250kts, unless otherwise specified on the SID or by ATC. 250kts must be maintained until 10000ft AMSL. (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 16

What factor may override the acceleration procedure to 250kts at 300ft AGL?

Answer 16

• Noise abatement procedures
• ATC instructions
• Other speed restrictions depicted on the chart (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 17

May an aircraft accept a SID clearance if it doesn’t have the necessary equipment on board to fly the SID?

Answer 17

No and the PIC must notify ATC if this is the case. (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 18

May a SID be cancelled by ATC?

Answer 18

Yes. (Jepp Term: AU-7)

Question 19

When may ATC issue or the PIC request a visual departure?

Answer 19

VMC day. (Jepp Term: AU-8)

Question 20

When airborne, may a SID be cancelled below the MVA/MSA/LSALT?

Answer 20

No, unless the cloud base allows flight in VMC by day up to the MVA/MSA/LASLT. (Jepp Term: AU-8)

Question 21

Who is responsible for achieving the minimum obstacle clearances during and engine failure or other reasons on a SID?

Answer 21

The PIC. (Jepp Term: AU-8)

Question 22

To what gradient are obstacles surveyed for a SID?

Answer 22

2.5% or a gradient based on the most critical obstacle penetrating those surfaces whichever is higher. (Jepp Term: AU-8)

Question 23

How much buffer is added to the surveyed 2.5% obstacle clearances?

Answer 23

0.8% (Jepp Term: AU-8)

Question 24

Do any other supplement gradients given for altitude requirements imposed for other than obstacle clearance purposes include the 0.8% buffer?

Answer 24

No. (Jepp Term: AU-8)

Question 25

What does it mean if there are gradients shown that are less than 3.3%?

Answer 25

Obstacle clearances have not been assessed. (Jepp Term: AU-8)

Question 26

At what AoB shall SID’s be flown?

Answer 26

15 degress AoB averaging. (Jepp Term: AU-8)

Question 27

What is the maximum speed for turning departures?

Answer 27

290kts. (Jepp Term: AU-8)