Departure out of Yuma

[BluesmanEP]

I found myself in a bit of an unknown situation last night departing out of KNYL and wanted to clairify - it was too busy to ask on frequency.

I departed KNYL headed to KSNA in a 733. Departure runway was 21R, ARGUS3 departure. (here's the plate: https://skyvector.com/files/tpp/1610/pdf/00511ARGUS.PDF).

While flying heading 340 I was told to "join BARD 255 radial to ARGUS". Makes sense. Here's my question: Since the intercept angle between a 340 heading and the 255 radial is almost 90 degrees, smoothly capturing the radial without blowing through it is difficult. Does my clearance "join the 255 radial" allow me to start a gradual left turn to intercept at a shallower angle? Or do I need to maintain the 340 heading until I hit the radial (and blow through it) before starting my turn left?

Thanks!

Evan

[Keith Smith]

ATC's not going to care much either way. FARs require you to maintain the centerline of the cleared course to the extent possible (for example, on an airway), so if you have the equipment to lead a turn, it should be used. Otherwise, simply wait for movement out of the needle and then start the turn.

You should not wait for the needle to center and then start the turn. That is as unnecessary overshoot and would be poor technique. The initial movement of the needle tells you that the radial is coming up, meaning you should either start the turn now (if the needle is moving with some gusto), or at the very least, start the turn shortly. Either way, you will be starting the turn BEFORE the needle centers.

[BluesmanEP]

Thanks Keith,

That makes sense. I guess I didn't really think I should fully cross the radial before turning - I just wasn't sure what actions I could take in order to capture the radial cleanly. Basically, do what you need to, ATC won't care.

Thanks again.