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

010-06-03Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-03-271 min

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.