PilotEdge Forums

In real life, I've so far only stuck to smaller class D airports so I just request VFR departures such as right-downwind, or straight-out. In my PE-flying at larger airports I'm given a departure heading which I assume after reaching a safe altitude.

How long am I supposed to maintain that heading? Is it until I'm outside of the Class B or C? If so, is it ok to change my heading once above the airspace, but still within the lateral boundaries?

I know I messed this up somehow last night when my departure heading was 310 out of KSAN and I changed course too early.

when to turn: altitude-permitting, and generally after the departure end of the runway

when to go back to flying a heading of your own chosing: after you're told to "resume own navigation" by ATC.