# Instrument Departure Procedures (Doc 8168): Omnidirectional, Straight, and Turning Departures

> Study ICAO Doc 8168 departure procedure types, turn initiation criteria, wind considerations, and noise abatement principles after takeoff.

- **Subject:** 010 — Air Law
- **Section:** 010-06 — Aircraft Operations
- **Topic code:** 010-06-03
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-03-27
- **Author:** Pablo Asensio Martínez
- **HTML version:** https://pilotsyllabus.com/en/air-law/aircraft-operations/departure-procedures-icao-doc-8168-volume-i/

---

Instrument departure procedures are designed to ensure safety and separation from obstacles after takeoff.

## Types of Departure

### 1. Omnidirectional Departure
Used when **no track guidance exists**.
*   **Design**: It is assumed that the aircraft maintains runway heading until reaching a specified height and then may turn in **any direction**.
*   **Restrictions**: **Sectors to be avoided** (defined by bearings and distances) or minimum climb gradients/minimum altitudes to overfly obstacles may be specified.
*   It is a flexible and simple method when no specific navigation aids are available.

### 2. Straight Departure
*   One in which the initial track is within **15°** of the runway centerline alignment.

### 3. Turning Departure
*   Termed as such when the procedure requires a turn of **more than 15°**.
*   **Turn initiation**: Normally straight flight is assumed until reaching at least **120 m (394 ft)** height (90 m for helicopters) and **600 m** from the beginning of the runway.

## General Criteria

*   **Pilot Responsibility**: Nothing in the procedures prevents the pilot-in-command from exercising their authority for safe operation, including **noise abatement maneuvers**.
*   **Wind Effect**:
    *   In radar-vectored departures, wind is **not compensated** (assigned heading is flown).
    *   In track-based departures, known wind **must be compensated** to maintain the track.

## Noise Abatement
Departure procedures often incorporate noise abatement techniques. However, aircraft safety (commander's authority) always prevails over these restrictions.

---

Free study notes from pilotsyllabus.com. Not a substitute for training at an approved ATO.