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How to anticipate which SID

Posted: Wed Dec 25, 2019 12:41 pm
by rezaf
Is there a way to anticipate which SID a pilot might be assigned PRIOR to the call to the clearance delivery? Say, I’m sitting at the FBO at IAH, and wondering which one of the 19 possible SIDs they might assign me to brief while relaxed and sipping coffee before climbing into the airplane?

Re: How to anticipate which SID

Posted: Wed Dec 25, 2019 12:49 pm
by Kevin_atc
There’s really no way to know 100%, but there are defintiely good things you can do to anticipate it.

1. Look on flightaware and see what similar aircraft on similar routes are getting.
2. Check the ATIS to see what flow the airport is in as some SIDs are specific to certain flows.
3. Find a SID that is going your direction. If you’re RNAV capable, RNAV SIDS are generally preferred.
4. Look at the notes on the SID you think you might get- do they say anything like “ATC assigned only” or “turbojet only”?

Re: How to anticipate which SID

Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2019 6:15 am
by Keith Smith
In addition to what Kevin said, when you file in real life, you can receive an alert when the flight plan is processed, including expected route.

That is what you'll get 95% of the time in my experience.

Re: How to anticipate which SID

Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2019 10:26 pm
by rezaf
Thanks Kevin and Keith. Keith, how would I receive the alert in real world? Are you referring to filing through ForeFlight?

Re: How to anticipate which SID

Posted: Fri Dec 27, 2019 12:25 pm
by Keith Smith
Most services which allow you to file (including ForeFlight) also include alerts. Flightaware can show you the expected route after you file, too.