PilotEdge Forums

I am planning a flight out of KNSA using the Musel 7 departure, the obstacle departure procedure states the climb should be continued in the SLI hold until reaching MEA, which if I'm reading the chart correctly is 15,000. Reviewing recent flights on PEaware I see a number of flights crossing SLI below 15,000 but no evidence of holding - is this something ATC can waive, or should I automatically enter the hold if I'm below 15,000 at SLI?
Thanks
Eugene

As far as I understand, so please someone correct me if I'm wrong... There's no published hold at SLI on the MUSEL7 and what the ODP says is irrelevant for following the SID. Either ATC will give you an altitude restriction, in which case altitudes on the chart don't matter¹, or ATC will instruct you to "climb via SID" which instructs to you climb as necessary to comply with published altitude restrictions. Note that an MEA doesn't require you be at that altitude at the start of the route segment, only that you begin a climb to that altitude at the minimum climb gradient. Also note that if the instruction is only "climb via SID" then the SID should have a published top altitude, if not ATC goofed and should have given you "climb via SID except maintain <some altitude or flight level>". Do not continue to climb to your cruise altitude on your own.

¹Within reason of course. If you're on a route segment that has a published MEA of 15000 and ATC gave you 2000 and hasn't talked to you in a while, that may be a good time to speak up and ask for higher.

What the OP maybe missing is what happens after making the turn to 177. IE that ATC will be radar vectoring during the climb on the 177 heading. A heading which is out over the water. So after take off fly 196 for 1 nm. Turn to heading 177. ATC will monitor the climb. After reaching sufficient altitude, ATC would issue a radar vector to re-join the SID. The exact RV would depend upon the navigation equipment and your rate of climb.

Such instruction might be:

• GPS: Direct MUSEL.......
• VOR: turn heading XXX and intercept SLI 150 radial inbound......
• turn heading xxx then direct SLI.....

Bottom line is ATC is managing the climb and will issue the next instruction when you are high enough to continue.

+1 on regarding the differences between an ODP and SID. You are cleared for a specific departure. Follow the departure procedure that you have been cleared for. An ODP is more often used when not being provided with direct ATC control.

ODP's can only be flown in lieu of radar vectors or an assigned Departure Procedure. As has been said, if you are assigned the MUSEL SID, then there is no need to consider the ODP.

Thanks guys, that clarified that for me,
Eugene