Instrument Departure

Objective

The student will demonstrate the knowledge, risk management, and skills required to execute an instrument departure from a heliport or airport in a helicopter under actual or simulated instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Upon completion, the student will properly select and use appropriate navigation publications, establish communications with ATC, comply with all clearance instructions and airspace restrictions, intercept and track all assigned courses/radials/bearings, and maintain ATP-level flight performance standards (±10 knots airspeed, ±10° heading, ±100 feet altitude) throughout the departure phase until transition to the en route environment is complete, as required by 14 CFR Part 61.159 and FAA-S-ACS-ATP Task AT.IV.E.

Content

Regulatory Framework and ATP Requirements

14 CFR Part 91 Subpart B — Flight Rules, General Operating and Flight Rules (§91.167, §91.169, §91.173, §91.175, §91.177, §91.185):

• ATP helicopter operations require strict adherence to IFR flight rules
• §91.173 requires ATC clearance before operating IFR in controlled airspace
• §91.175 establishes takeoff minimums (Part 91: standard minimums unless specified in 14 CFR Part 97)
• §91.177 specifies minimum IFR altitudes, including Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude (MOCA), Minimum En Route Altitude (MEA), and Minimum Reception Altitude (MRA)
• §91.185 prescribes two-way radio communication failure procedures

14 CFR Part 97 — Standard Instrument Procedures:

• Establishes standard instrument approach and departure procedures
• Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs) and Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) published under Part 97 authority
• Helicopter-specific departure procedures may differ from fixed-wing — always verify applicability

Pilot/Controller Responsibilities:

• Pilot: comply with all clearances, restrictions, and published procedures; maintain aircraft control and ATP performance standards; notify ATC immediately of inability to comply
• Controller: issue clearances, provide traffic separation, issue safety alerts as able
• Shared responsibility: safe, orderly flow of traffic through National Airspace System (NAS)

Navigation Publications and Chart Selection

Current Navigation Publications Required (ATP Standard):

• Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP) containing SIDs, ODPs, and approach procedures for departure airport
• IFR En Route Low Altitude Charts (up to 18,000 feet MSL) or High Altitude Charts (above 18,000 feet MSL) for planned route
• Chart Supplements (formerly A/FD) for departure airport/heliport data, frequencies, services, special procedures
• Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) — check for SID amendments, frequency changes, NAVAID outages
• Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) if applicable to destination region (review during preflight for situational awareness)

Chart Symbology and Interpretation:

• Departure procedures: textual ODPs (in front of TPP book) vs. graphical SIDs (charted departures)
• Minimum crossing altitudes, minimum climb gradients (feet per nautical mile), diverse departure areas
• NAVAID identification boxes, communication frequencies, transition routes
• Lost communication procedures specific to departure
• In helicopters, always verify procedure applicability — some SIDs designed for high-performance fixed-wing may require modification or alternate routing

Digital vs. Paper Charts:

• ATP operations: either acceptable if current within 28-day cycle
• Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) usage: understand database currency, backup procedures
• Cross-check AIRAC cycle dates — chart effective dates must match operational date

Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs)

Purpose and Design:

• SIDs simplify clearance delivery, reduce frequency congestion, provide obstacle clearance, organize traffic flow
• Pilot-Nav SIDs: require pilot to navigate using onboard equipment (VOR, GPS)
• Vector SIDs: radar vectors provided by ATC after initial heading assignment
• Combination SIDs: initial pilot-nav segment followed by vectors

SID Components:

• Departure routing: specific ground track from runway to en route structure
• Altitude restrictions: “maintain,” “cross at or above,” “cross at,” “cross at or below”
• Speed restrictions: often “maintain 250 KIAS or less” below 10,000 feet (helicopters typically fly slower — comply with aircraft/SID limits)
• Transition routes: connect SID to en route fix or airway
• Lost communication procedures specific to that SID

Helicopter-Specific Considerations:

• Performance limitations: climb gradients in helicopters are calculated in performance manuals, not always standardized like fixed-wing
• Helicopter departure procedures may exist at certain heliports (check TPP and Chart Supplement)
• GPS-based SIDs: verify helicopter GPS system meets Required Navigation Performance (RNP) for procedure
• Helicopter Point-in-Space (PinS) approaches/departures: unique to rotorcraft, not applicable to fixed-wing

Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs)

Distinction from SIDs:

• ODPs are non-regulatory (recommended unless alternate procedure ensures obstacle clearance)
• SIDs are regulatory when issued as part of ATC clearance
• ODPs primarily for obstacle clearance; SIDs for traffic management and obstacle clearance

ODP Requirements:

• Textual ODPs listed alphabetically by airport in TPP
• Graphical ODPs charted similarly to SIDs but labeled “OBSTACLE DP”
• Climb gradients specified in feet per nautical mile (e.g., “climbing to 3,000 feet requires minimum 400 feet per NM”)
• Helicopter performance planning: calculate required rate of climb at planned departure airspeed to meet gradient

When to Fly an ODP:

• IMC departures without SID assignment: fly ODP if published
• VMC departures: not required but good practice in marginal conditions
• ATC may assign “Climb via the SID” or “Climb via the ODP” — compliance is mandatory once assigned

En Route Charts and Airway Structure

Low Altitude En Route Charts (L-Charts):

• Cover altitudes from surface to 18,000 feet MSL
• Victor airways (VOR-based), T-routes (RNAV/GPS-based), L-routes (RNAV/GPS in Alaska)
• MEA (Minimum En Route Altitude): ensures NAVAID reception and obstacle clearance
• MOCA (Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude): ensures obstacle clearance only, NAVAID reception within 22 NM of VOR
• MRA (Minimum Reception Altitude): altitude at which airway NAVAID reception is assured
• Maximum Authorized Altitude (MAA): some airways have upper altitude limits

High Altitude En Route Charts (H-Charts):

• Cover 18,000 feet MSL and above
• Jet routes (J-routes), Q-routes (RNAV/GPS high altitude)
• Typically not applicable to most helicopter operations (helicopters rarely operate above FL180 except specialized missions)
• Understand chart symbology for ATP knowledge demonstration

Off-Airway Routing:

• Direct GPS routing: requires GPS navigation database, RAIM prediction, appropriate equipment
• ATC may issue off-airway clearances: “Direct to XYZ VOR, then as filed”
• Pilot responsibility to maintain IFR altitude minimums (§91.177)

Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs)

Overview (for Context):

• STARs are the arrival counterpart to SIDs
• ATP helicopter pilots must understand STAR structure, though many helicopter missions fly into non-STAR airports
• STAR components: routing, altitude/speed restrictions, NAVAID information, transition routes
• “Descend via” clearances require compliance with all published altitude and speed restrictions
• Review STARs during flight planning even if not expected — provides situational awareness for destination area traffic flow

ATC Communications and Clearances

Departure Clearance Components (CRAFT Acronym):

• Clearance Limit: usually destination airport
• Route: SID name, transition, airway structure, or “as filed”
• Altitude: initial altitude assignment, expect higher altitude in 10 minutes
• Frequency: departure frequency after airborne
• Transponder: squawk code assignment

Proper Phraseology for Departure:

• Initial contact: “[Facility] Clearance Delivery, [callsign], [location], IFR to [destination], information [ATIS code]”
• Readback all altitude assignments, headings, airspeed restrictions, SID/transition names, frequency assignments, and transponder codes
• Critical readback items: “Read back all runway hold short instructions, all clearances to enter, land on, takeoff from, hold short, cross, or backtrack on any runway” (AIM 4-3-18)
• Abbreviated readback example: “Skyhawk Four Alpha Bravo cleared to Centennial via the PLAINS TWO departure, CHIEFS transition, then as filed, climb and maintain three thousand, expect flight level one-eight-zero ten minutes after departure, departure frequency one-two-four-point-three-five, squawk four-two-one-five.”

Timely Compliance with Instructions:

• ATP standard: immediate acknowledgment and execution of ATC instructions
• Unable to comply: notify ATC immediately, request amended clearance
• Airspeed/heading/altitude assignments: begin compliance without delay unless clarification needed
• Anticipate frequency changes, have next frequency pre-tuned when possible

Two-Way Radio Communication Failure Procedures (14 CFR §91.185)

VFR Conditions:

• If failure occurs in VFR conditions and VFR conditions can be maintained: remain VFR, land as soon as practicable
• Do not continue IFR flight in VFR conditions solely because of communication failure

IFR Conditions (or if VFR conditions cannot be maintained):

• Route:
  1. Assigned route in last ATC clearance
  2. If being radar vectored, direct route from point of vector to fix/airway/route specified in vector clearance
  3. Route ATC advised to expect in further clearance
  4. Route filed in flight plan
• Altitude (highest of the following for each route segment):
  1. Minimum altitude for IFR operations (MEA, MOCA, etc.)
  2. Altitude ATC advised to expect in further clearance
  3. Altitude assigned in last ATC clearance
• Departure Phase NORDO Scenario:
  • During departure, if cleared to “climb and maintain 4,000, expect FL180 ten minutes after departure,” continue climbing to 4,000
  • At ten minutes after departure (or appropriate point), climb to FL180 (expected altitude)
  • Fly last assigned route, or expected route, or filed route (in that priority order)
  • Squawk 7600 (radio failure)
  • If departure includes published lost communication procedure on SID/ODP, follow that procedure

Light Gun Signals (if returning to towered airport):

• Steady green: cleared to land
• Flashing green: return for landing (to be followed by steady green)
• Steady red: give way to other aircraft, continue circling
• Flashing red: airport unsafe, do not land
• Flashing white: return to starting point on airport
• Alternating red and green: exercise extreme caution

Helicopter-Specific NORDO Considerations:

• Lower airspeeds may allow return to VMC or suitable landing area more readily than fixed-wing
• Consider off-airport landing options in severe IMC if communication failure jeopardizes safety
• ATP decision-making: when to continue vs. when to deviate for safety (priority: aviate, navigate, communicate)

Helicopter Instrument Departure Techniques

Pre-Takeoff Procedures:

• Final departure briefing: SID/ODP name and routing, initial heading and altitude, missed communication plan
• IMSAFE and PAVE risk assessment complete
• Instruments cross-check: attitude indicator, heading indicator, altimeter setting, DG/HSI aligned
• GPS/FMS: flight plan loaded, active leg verified, departure runway and procedure confirmed
• Radios: frequencies set (CTAF/Tower, Departure, ATIS), NAVAIDs identified and tested
• Transponder: Mode C/S on standby, assigned squawk code entered

Takeoff and Initial Climb (ATP Standards):

• Liftoff: smooth, controlled transition from ground contact to stabilized hover (if applicable) to forward flight
• Helicopter IFR departures often involve transition from hover to climb attitude — maintain IFR scan throughout
• Pitch attitude: establish climb attitude smoothly, cross-reference airspeed and vertical speed
• Torque/power management: maintain power within limits, anticipate power required for climb performance
• Initial heading: intercept assigned heading or SID initial course within ±10° (ATP standard)
• Airspeed: establish and maintain climb airspeed ±10 knots
• Altitude: do not exceed initial assigned altitude; level off at assigned altitude ±100 feet

Course Interception and Tracking:

• SID or ODP course: determine initial intercept heading using HSI/RMI or GPS guidance
• Turn to intercept: standard rate turn (3° per second) or as required by helicopter performance and ATC instructions
• Lead points: calculate lead for altitude restrictions and course changes (rule of thumb: 1% of groundspeed for altitude changes)
• Tracking: use wind correction angle to maintain centerline of airway or GPS course; ATP standard ±10° heading, accurate course tracking
• RNAV/GPS departures: verify “Active Leg,” anticipate waypoint sequencing, use OBS/Hold mode if needed for course guidance

Sterile Cockpit and Crew Resource Management (CRM):

• Below 10,000 feet MSL: sterile cockpit rule (14 CFR §135.100 for commercial operators; best practice for Part 91)
• ATP standard: single-pilot resource management (SRM) — systematic scan, workload management, prioritization
• Callouts (if flying with safety pilot): altitudes, deviations, clearance limits
• Workload management: automate when appropriate (autopilot, GPS automation), but remain in control loop

Risk Management for Instrument Departures

Timely Compliance with Instructions and Airspace Restrictions:

• Failure to comply with clearances or airspace restrictions can result in loss of separation, airspace violations, pilot deviations
• Altitude/speed/heading restrictions: begin compliance immediately upon acknowledgment
• Class B/C/D airspace: two-way communication required before entry (14 CFR §91.129, §91.130, §91.131)
• TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions): verify NOTAMs before departure, avoid TFR airspace
• Unable to comply: notify ATC immediately, request vectors or alternative clearance

Spatial Disorientation and Task Saturation:

• High workload during departure phase: multiple frequency changes, heading/altitude assignments, navigation setup
• Maintain basic aircraft control (aviate) as first priority
• Use automation appropriately: GPS sequencing, autopilot (if equipped and certified for IFR)
• Mental model: know where you are, where you’re going, what comes next
• If task-saturated: request delay from ATC (“request heading to fly while we configure”), slow down (if safe), reduce workload items

CFIT (Controlled Flight Into Terrain) During Departure:

• Obstacle clearance: strictly adhere to SID/ODP altitudes and climb gradients
• Helicopter performance: verify helicopter can meet climb gradient with current weight, temperature, density altitude
• Non-standard takeoff minimums: check for higher minimums due to obstacles
• Situational awareness: mental picture of terrain and obstacles in departure corridor
• Synthetic vision and terrain awareness systems: use if installed, but do not rely solely on technology

Weather Considerations:

• Low IFR departures: understand personal/company minimums
• Icing: helicopters have limited ice protection; verify icing forecast, PIREPs, current conditions
• Wind shear and turbulence: departure phase is vulnerable; plan escape maneuver if severe turbulence/shear encountered
• Visibility/ceiling on departure: Part 91 standard takeoff minimums (1 SM visibility for helicopters at Part 139 airports, or as published)

Schedule

Equipment

Required Aircraft Equipment

• IFR-certified helicopter with current inspections (14 CFR §91.205 and §91.411/§91.413)
• Dual flight controls
• Functioning two-way radio communication system with appropriate ATC frequencies
• Functioning navigation equipment (VOR/DME, GPS approved for IFR operations, or combination)
• Transponder with altitude encoding (Mode C or Mode S)
• Functioning gyroscopic instruments: attitude indicator, heading indicator, turn coordinator
• Sensitive altimeter adjustable for barometric pressure
• Clock with hours, minutes, and seconds
• Vertical speed indicator
• View-limiting device or approved IFR hood for simulated IMC

Required Reference Materials

• FAA-S-ACS-ATP (Airline Transport Pilot – Helicopter Airman Certification Standards)
• FAA-H-8083-21B (Helicopter Flying Handbook, Chapter 11: Helicopter Instrument Flying)
• FAA-H-8083-15B (Instrument Flying Handbook, Chapters 2, 4, 5, 10)
• FAA-H-8083-16B (Instrument Procedures Handbook, Chapters 2, 4)
• AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual, current edition, Chapter 5 Section 2)
• 14 CFR Parts 61, 91, 97 (current regulations)
• Current Terminal Procedures Publication (TPP) for departure airport region
• Current IFR En Route Low Altitude Charts covering planned route
• Current IFR En Route High Altitude Charts (if applicable to route)
• Current Chart Supplement for departure airport/heliport
• Current NOTAMs (from FSS briefing or online sources)
• Helicopter Flight Manual for aircraft being flown (performance charts for climb gradients)

Instructor Materials

• Whiteboard or teaching aid for diagramming SID/ODP structure and route components
• Sample SID/ODP charts for briefing (laminated or on EFB for annotation)
• Scenario cards for communication failure and non-standard situations
• ATP performance standards summary card (±10 knots, ±10°, ±100 feet)

Instructor Actions

1. Conduct pre-flight briefing: Review lesson objectives and explain that this lesson focuses on ATP-level instrument departure procedures including SIDs, ODPs, en route chart usage, and communication failure procedures. Emphasize that ATP standards require tighter performance tolerances and greater precision than commercial operations.

2. Present regulatory framework: Explain 14 CFR §91.173 (ATC clearance requirement), §91.175 (takeoff minimums), §91.177 (minimum IFR altitudes), and §91.185 (two-way radio communication failure). Highlight pilot and controller responsibilities during IFR departures.

3. Demonstrate chart selection and usage: Show student how to locate current SID/ODP in TPP, identify departure routing and altitude/speed restrictions on chart, and cross-reference with en route low altitude chart for transition to airway structure. Point out NAVAID identification boxes, minimum altitudes, and transition routes.

4. Explain SID vs. ODP distinction: Clarify that SIDs are ATC-assigned and mandatory when issued in clearance, while ODPs are for obstacle clearance and recommended but not mandatory unless assigned. Use specific local examples if available.

5. Teach CRAFT acronym for clearance copying: Write sample clearance on board and have student identify each component: Clearance limit, Route, Altitude, Frequency, Transponder. Demonstrate proper readback technique with emphasis on reading back all altitude, heading, and routing assignments.

6. Brief two-way radio communication failure procedures: Use whiteboard to diagram the route priority (assigned → vectored → expected → filed) and altitude priority (minimum IFR → expected → assigned). Walk through departure-phase NORDO scenario step-by-step.

7. Demonstrate climb gradient calculation for ODPs: Use helicopter performance chart to show how to convert feet-per-nautical-mile gradient to required rate of climb at planned departure airspeed. Example: “If ODP requires 350 feet per NM and we’re climbing at 60 knots groundspeed, we need 350 × (60/60) = 350 feet per minute minimum. At 80 knots, that becomes 350 × (80/60) = 467 fpm.”

8. Conduct departure briefing demonstration: Model thorough departure briefing including SID/ODP name, initial heading and altitude, first waypoint or fix, departure frequency, lost communication plan, and obstacles/terrain awareness.

9. Review helicopter-specific IFR departure techniques: Explain transition from hover to forward flight under simulated IMC, maintaining IFR scan during low-altitude climb, power management considerations, and anticipating high workload during departure phase.

10. Emphasize ATP performance standards: Clearly state that ATP tolerances are ±10 knots airspeed, ±10° heading, ±100 feet altitude, with accurate course tracking expected throughout. Explain this is tighter than commercial standards and represents professional-level precision.

11. Discuss risk management priorities: Address timely compliance with clearances and airspace restrictions as critical safety factor. Explain consequences of altitude/heading deviations in busy terminal areas. Discuss CFIT risks during departure and importance of maintaining obstacle clearance.

12. Supervise student flight planning: Watch as student selects charts, identifies departure procedure, calculates climb performance, files flight plan, and obtains weather briefing. Intervene only to correct critical errors or unsafe decisions.

13. Monitor aircraft preflight and IFR systems check: Ensure student verifies all IFR equipment operational, NAVAIDs properly identified, GPS database current, and instruments aligned properly. Listen to student’s departure briefing and verify completeness.

14. Observe clearance copying and readback: As student contacts clearance delivery, listen for correct phraseology and complete readback. Provide immediate feedback on any readback errors or missing items.

15. Monitor departure execution (scenario 1): During SID departure, observe student’s heading/altitude control, course interception technique, compliance with restrictions, and navigation accuracy. Call out deviations from ATP standards immediately: “Check your altitude — you’re 150 feet high.”

16. Evaluate compliance with clearances (scenario 2): During vector SID or radar vectors, note student’s response time to heading and altitude assignments. Ensure immediate acknowledgment and execution. Correct any delayed responses or compliance issues.

17. Assess climb gradient performance (scenario 3): During ODP with climb gradient requirement, verify student achieves calculated climb rate, maintains airspeed within limits, and clears obstacles per published procedure. Confirm student cross-checks terrain and obstacles using chart and mental picture.

18. Introduce communication failure (scenario 4): At appropriate point during departure, simulate radio failure by silencing radio and instructing student to handle lost communication per §91.185. Observe routing and altitude decisions, squawk code change to 7600, and overall ADM.

19. Provide real-time coaching as needed: If student deviates significantly from ATP standards or makes unsafe decision, intervene immediately. Use positive coaching: “Let’s level off right here at 4,500 and regroup. What altitude were you assigned?” Reteach as needed during flight.

20. Conduct post-flight debriefing: Review each departure scenario against ATP performance standards using ACS Task AT.IV.E as framework. Identify specific strengths (e.g., “Your course tracking on the SID was excellent — well within ATP standards”) and areas for improvement (e.g., “On the vector departure, your response to the heading change was delayed by about 8 seconds — at ATP level we need immediate execution”). Document lesson completion and student performance.

Student Actions

1. Prepare for lesson: Arrive with FAA-S-ACS-ATP reviewed, 14 CFR §91.185 studied, and basic understanding of SID/ODP structure. Bring personal flight planning materials, charts, and EFB (if used).

2. Participate in ground briefing: Ask clarifying questions about SID vs. ODP, communication failure procedures, or ATP performance standards. Take notes on key teaching points.

3. Demonstrate chart selection and interpretation: Locate departure airport SID/ODP in TPP, identify all altitude and speed restrictions, find transition routes to en route structure, and explain routing to instructor.

4. Practice clearance copying and readback: Copy sample clearances provided by instructor using CRAFT format. Perform readback with proper phraseology, including all altitude, heading, routing, frequency, and transponder assignments.

5. Calculate climb gradient requirement: Using helicopter performance charts, calculate required rate of climb to meet ODP gradient at planned departure airspeed. Show work to instructor and explain calculation method.

6. Complete flight planning: Select current charts for route, obtain weather briefing, file IFR flight plan with appropriate departure procedure, complete navigation log with frequencies and waypoints, review NOTAMs for applicable information.

7. Conduct aircraft preflight inspection: Perform standard preflight per POH/RFM with special attention to IFR equipment. Check NAVAID operation, GPS database currency, transponder function, instrument alignment, and radio functionality.

8. Deliver departure briefing to instructor: Provide thorough briefing including departure procedure name and routing, initial heading and altitude, first en route fix, departure frequency, squawk code, lost communication plan, and obstacle/terrain awareness.

9. Obtain IFR clearance: Contact clearance delivery using proper phraseology, copy clearance using CRAFT format, perform complete readback including all altitude assignments, routing, frequency, and transponder code. Request clarification if any element is unclear.

10. Execute SID departure (scenario 1): Perform takeoff and establish climb maintaining ATP standards (±10 knots airspeed, ±10° heading, ±100 feet altitude). Intercept SID course, comply with all altitude and speed restrictions, track course accurately to first en route fix. Make all required radio calls and frequency changes.

11. Execute vector SID or radar vectors (scenario 2): Follow ATC heading and altitude assignments immediately upon receipt. Acknowledge all instructions promptly. Maintain assigned headings ±10° and altitudes ±100 feet. Anticipate frequency changes and pre-tune next frequency when workload permits.

12. Execute ODP with climb gradient (scenario 3): Establish climb at airspeed and rate calculated during preflight planning to meet ODP gradient requirement. Maintain course and altitude restrictions per published procedure. Monitor terrain clearance using chart and GPS awareness. Transition to en route structure upon reaching appropriate altitude/fix.

13. Demonstrate communication failure procedures (scenario 4): When instructor simulates radio failure, squawk 7600, continue on last assigned route (or expected route, or filed route per priority), climb to appropriate altitude per §91.185 (minimum IFR, expected, or assigned — highest of three). Maintain ATP flight performance throughout. Brief instructor on decision-making process.

14. Respond to instructor coaching: When instructor identifies deviation from ATP standards, acknowledge, make immediate correction, and adjust technique to prevent recurrence. Ask questions if guidance is unclear.

15. Maintain situational awareness throughout: Know current position, heading, altitude, and next assigned fix or waypoint at all times. Anticipate upcoming altitude restrictions, frequency changes, and course changes. Maintain mental picture of route and airspace.

16. Demonstrate crew resource management: Manage workload systematically using priority system (aviate, navigate, communicate). Use automation appropriately without losing control loop awareness. Make callouts for altitude intercepts, course changes, and clearance limits.

17. Complete post-flight self-assessment: Evaluate own performance against ATP standards before instructor debrief. Identify specific areas where performance met standards and areas needing improvement. Prepare questions about areas of uncertainty.

18. Participate in debrief: Provide honest self-assessment. Ask questions about any procedures or techniques that remain unclear. Take notes on instructor feedback. Acknowledge areas for improvement and commit to specific practice strategies.

19. Review and study: After lesson, review all departure procedures flown, re-read applicable regulations (14 CFR §91.185 especially), and study any weak knowledge areas identified during debrief. Prepare for next lesson by reviewing transition to en route environment and en route IFR procedures.

20. Document lesson: Ensure logbook entry is complete and accurate. Review completion standards to verify all ATP-level skill items were demonstrated. Note any additional practice needed before checkride.

Completion Standards

The lesson is complete when the student demonstrates mastery of instrument departure procedures at ATP helicopter standards as specified in FAA-S-ACS-ATP Task AT.IV.E. The student must consistently meet all of the following measurable criteria:

Knowledge Standards

1. Explains SID structure and components: Correctly identifies departure routing, altitude restrictions (maintain, cross at or above, cross at or below, cross at), speed restrictions, transition routes, and lost communication procedures on a sample SID chart. Distinguishes between Pilot-Nav SIDs, Vector SIDs, and combination SIDs.

2. Explains ODP purpose and usage: Articulates difference between SIDs (ATC traffic management and obstacle clearance) and ODPs (obstacle clearance only). Describes when ODPs are mandatory (when assigned by ATC) vs. recommended (IMC departures without SID). Calculates required climb rate to meet published climb gradient using helicopter performance charts.

3. Demonstrates chart selection competency: Selects current and appropriate charts for proposed flight including TPP (SIDs/ODPs), En Route Low Altitude Chart (for route below 18,000 feet MSL), Chart Supplement (airport/heliport data), and NOTAMs (procedure amendments, NAVAID outages). Verifies chart effective dates match operational date.

4. Describes en route chart symbology: Correctly identifies MEA, MOCA, MRA, MAA, Victor airways, T-routes, NAVAID symbols, minimum crossing altitudes, and airway changeover points on Low Altitude En Route Chart. Explains NAVAID reception limitations and obstacle clearance differences between MEA and MOCA.

5. Recites two-way radio communication failure procedures per 14 CFR §91.185: States route priority (assigned → vectored → expected → filed) and altitude priority (minimum IFR → expected → assigned, highest of three) from memory. Explains VFR vs. IFR procedures, squawk code 7600, and departure-phase specific NORDO scenarios. Describes appropriate actions if communication failure occurs while being radar vectored during departure.

6. Articulates pilot and controller responsibilities: Explains pilot responsibility to comply with clearances, maintain aircraft control, adhere to published procedures, notify ATC of inability to comply. Explains controller responsibility to issue clearances, provide separation, issue safety alerts. Describes shared responsibility for NAS safety.

7. Identifies risk management considerations: Describes consequences of non-compliance with clearances and airspace restrictions (loss of separation, airspace violations). Explains CFIT risks during departure phase and importance of obstacle clearance. Discusses workload management and task saturation mitigation during high-workload departure phase.

Skill Standards (All measured against ATP tolerances per FAA-S-ACS-ATP AT.IV.E)

8. Selects and uses appropriate communications frequencies: Correctly tunes and identifies all required frequencies (ATIS, Clearance Delivery, Ground, Tower, Departure) before flight. Changes frequencies as instructed by ATC without prompting. Pre-tunes next frequency during low-workload periods to reduce task saturation.

9. Selects and identifies navigation aids: Properly tunes, identifies (listens to Morse code identifier or verifies GPS database identifier), and tests all NAVAIDs associated with departure procedure (VOR, NDB, DME, GPS waypoints). Verifies GPS active leg and waypoint sequencing before departure. Cross-checks NAVAID accuracy using multiple sources.

10. Performs appropriate checklist items: Completes all required checklists (preflight, before engine start, engine start, before takeoff, IFR departure, after takeoff, climb) per POH/RFM and operator procedures. Accomplishes IFR-specific items including instrument check, navigation equipment setup, altimeter setting, transponder code entry, and departure briefing.

11. Establishes communications with ATC using proper phraseology: Makes initial contact with correct facility, callsign, position, intentions, and ATIS code. Example: “Centennial Clearance, Helicopter One-Two-Three-Alpha-Bravo, Signature Ramp, IFR to Denver, information Charlie.” Uses standard phraseology throughout all communications. Reads back all altitude assignments, heading assignments, routing, frequency changes, and transponder codes completely and accurately.

12. Complies with all instructions and airspace restrictions in timely manner: Acknowledges all ATC instructions immediately (within 3 seconds). Begins compliance with heading, altitude, and airspeed assignments without delay. Maintains awareness of airspace boundaries and does not enter Class B/C/D airspace without two-way communication established. Notifies ATC immediately if unable to comply with any instruction. (Risk Management Element — Critical)

13. Intercepts all courses, radials, and bearings in timely manner: Calculates appropriate intercept heading and establishes intercept without delay. Intercepts SID/ODP course within 2 nautical miles of departure end of runway or as specified in procedure. Intercepts assigned headings/courses within 30 seconds of assignment or as operationally appropriate. Uses bracketing technique to establish wind correction angle and maintain course centerline.

14. Maintains airspeed within ±10 knots: Establishes and maintains appropriate climb airspeed during departure phase with no more than 10 knots deviation from target airspeed. Complies with SID/ATC speed restrictions (e.g., “250 knots or less”) with appropriate margin. Adjusts power smoothly to maintain airspeed during altitude changes and course changes.

15. Maintains headings within ±10°: Holds assigned headings with no more than ±10° deviation. Maintains heading during climbing and descending flight. Applies appropriate wind correction angle to track courses accurately (distinct from heading tolerance — course tracking may require heading adjustments, but assigned headings must be held within ±10°).

16. Maintains altitude within ±100 feet: Levels off at assigned altitudes within ±100 feet and maintains altitude throughout flight segment. Begins altitude changes promptly to meet crossing restrictions. Does not exceed assigned altitudes during climb (“maintain 5,000” means do not climb above 5,000). Crosses altitude restrictions at or above/at or below as published within ±100 feet of restriction.

17. Accurately tracks course, radial, or bearing: Maintains SID/ODP centerline or assigned course using appropriate wind correction. Tracking accuracy demonstrates no more than ¾-scale deflection on CDI (VOR) or ±1 nautical mile cross-track error (GPS) during departure phase. Consistently corrects for wind drift and maintains course without S-turning or overshooting.

18. Conducts departure phase to complete transition to en route environment: Completes departure procedure through initial altitude assignment, first en route fix, or point where ATC terminates departure services and transitions to en route control. Maintains all ATP performance standards throughout. Demonstrates smooth, coordinated control throughout all phases. Manages workload effectively without task saturation. In evaluator’s opinion, demonstrates readiness to continue into en route environment with all systems properly configured and all clearances/restrictions complied with.

Scenario-Based Evaluation Checkpoints

19. SID Departure Scenario: Successfully executes complete SID from clearance receipt through transition to en route structure. Copies clearance correctly, reads back accurately, complies with all altitude/speed/routing restrictions, intercepts and tracks all courses within ATP standards, makes all required frequency changes, and demonstrates professional communication throughout.

20. Communication Failure Scenario: Correctly applies 14 CFR §91.185 when presented with simulated radio failure during departure phase. Squawks 7600, continues on appropriate route per priority system, climbs to appropriate altitude per priority system, maintains ATP flight performance standards, and demonstrates sound aeronautical decision-making throughout emergency.

Instructor Assessment: The evaluator (CFI) determines that the student has demonstrated ATP-level knowledge, risk management, and skill in instrument departure procedures consistent with professional helicopter operations. The student is prepared to execute instrument departures safely and in compliance with all regulations, clearances, and performance standards required for ATP certification per FAA-S-ACS-ATP Task AT.IV.E.