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ODP question

Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:55 pm
by jm67
This is probably pretty basic, but maybe someone can chime in.

Let's say I'm flying from Santa Ynez to KCMA in low IFR conditions. The ODP for KIZA is below:

DEPARTURE PROCEDURE: Rwy 8, climbing left turn
heading 260° to 6000, intercept GVO VORTAC R-307
to ORCUT INT/MQO 30.00 DME. Do not exceed 150
KIAS until established on GVO VORTAC R-307. Rwy
26, climb heading 264° to 6000, intercept GVO
VORTAC R-307 to ORCUT INT/MQO 30.00 DME.

So... this would have me fly 30NM in the "wrong" direction, and then fly 30NM back toward the airport before beginning my TEC route to KCMA. I would certainly be able to climb to the TEC route altitude well before this.

In this situation am I stuck flying the full ODP, or is there some possibility to fly part of the ODP, and then ask ATC for a direct routing once I reach the 7000' TEC route altitude?

Re: ODP question

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 7:24 am
by Keith Smith
If you've flown IFR for any length of time, you'll know that things can change once you're in the air. ATC can do all sorts of things once you're above the minimum vectoring altitude.

The job of the ODP is to get you from the ground and into the enroute structure without hitting anything, and in absence of any radar vectors. You should plan your flight (fuel-wise) to allow for the full ODP. Practically speaking, though, assuming you have established comms with ATC, there's no reason to continue heading the wrong way at your cruise altitude. ATC should have no problem turning you around and getting you on course once you're above the MVA.

Re: ODP question

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2019 8:56 am
by jm67
Thanks so much - this is very helpful.