AA.VI.B — Departure Procedures

Objective: To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with instrument departure procedures (DPs).

Knowledge

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

• AA.VI.B.K1Takeoff minimums; (Obstacle) Departure Procedure (ODP), including Visual Climb over the Airport (VCOA) and Diverse Vector Area (Radar Vectors); Standard Instrument Departure (SID), including RNAV departure; required climb gradients; U.S. Terminal Procedures Publications; and En Route Charts.
• AA.VI.B.K2Use of a Flight Management System (FMS) or Global Positioning System (GPS) to follow a DP.
• AA.VI.B.K3Pilot/controller responsibilities, communication procedures, and ATC services available to pilots.
• AA.VI.B.K4Two-way radio communication failure procedures after takeoff.
• AA.VI.B.K5Ground-based and satellite-based navigation (orientation, course determination, equipment, tests and regulations, interference, appropriate use of navigation data, signal integrity).

Risk Management

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:

• AA.VI.B.R1Failure to communicate with ATC or follow published procedures and required climb gradients.
• AA.VI.B.R2Limitations of air traffic avoidance equipment and use of see and avoid techniques.
• AA.VI.B.R3Improper automation management.

Skills

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

• AA.VI.B.S1Select the appropriate instrument departure procedure. Then select, identify (as necessary), and use the appropriate communication and navigation facilities associated with the procedure.
• AA.VI.B.S2Program the FMS prior to departure and set avionics to include flight director and autopilot controls, as appropriate, for the departure, if applicable.
• AA.VI.B.S3Coordinate with crew, if applicable, and complete the appropriate checklist(s) in a timely manner.
• AA.VI.B.S4Use current and appropriate navigation publications or databases for the proposed flight.
• AA.VI.B.S5Establish two-way communications with the proper controlling agency, use proper phraseology, comply, in a timely manner, with all ATC instructions and airspace restrictions, and exhibit adequate knowledge of communication failure procedures.
• AA.VI.B.S6Intercept all courses, radials, and bearings appropriate to the procedure, route, clearance, or as directed by the evaluator in a timely manner.
• AA.VI.B.S7Comply with all applicable charted procedures.
• AA.VI.B.S8Maintain the appropriate airspeed ±10 knots, headings ±10°, and altitude ±100 feet, and accurately track a course, radial, or bearing.
• AA.VI.B.S9Conduct the departure phase to a point where, in the opinion of the evaluator, the transition to the en route environment is complete.