PilotEdge Forums

Yesterday, I completed a short flight from KLPC (Lompoc) to KSFO in the Citation Mustang. My filed route of flight was MQO BSR BSR2. KLPC has no SIDs but does have an ODP, which essentially states: after departing Rwy 25, fly heading 130 and intercept the GVO R-278 and fly to GVO, climbing to 6000' to GVO Vortac. Then aircraft proceding NW, continue normal route. When I received my clearance from Santa Barbara Departure, I was not given a heading to fly, just cleared as filed, but was given an initial alatitude of 4000 ft.

So I am wondering if I needed to fly the ODP in this case or could I have flown direct MQO, as long as I avoided the restricted airspace to the west of KLPC. I did fly the ODP, by the way, which was good practice, but it took me well away from my filed route. Plus, I was at 6000 ft well before GVO. And I was using advanced GPS navigation, so I could have gone to MQO while avoiding the restricted airspace.

FYI, the Takeoff Minimums introduction states, "If not specifically assigned a departure procedure (i.e.,ODP, SID, or radar vector) as part of an IFR clearance, an ODP may be required to be flown for obstacle clearance, even though not specifically stated in the IFR clearance." Clear as mud.

Todd

ATC will only assign the ODP if internal SOP's require it, or if it's required for traffic separation. Otherwise, it can be flown at your discretion. If you opt not to fly it, you'll need to ensure your own terrain and obstacle separation until reaching the minimum instrument altitude or the controller's MVA. Remember, if you hear "radar contact", it doesn't mean you're off the hook for terrain sep. It's only if you receive a vector from ATC that you're out of the woods, or upon reaching the minimum instrument altitude.

Thanks for clarifying, Keith.

Todd