1 min read 
Instrument approaches get a lot of attention, whether it’s the intricacies of WAAS approaches or the unique missed approach procedures at mountain airports. Most pilots spend far less time considering the instrument departure, which is equally demanding. In this video tip, taken from Sporty’s Instrument Rating Course, you’ll review the key elements of an instrument departure, when to file one, and what the difference is between an ODP and a SID.
With Sporty’s Complete Instrument Rating Course, you’ll ace your FAA written test—we guarantee it! But this mobile course app is much more than just test prep. With incredible in-flight footage and 3D animations, we unlock the secrets of the IFR system so you can be a safe, smooth and proficient pilot.More Info
Latest posts by Sporty's Instrument Rating Course (see all)
- IFR holding pattern interactive scenarios - June 9, 2023
- Video: what’s the real IFR alternate? - July 7, 2020
- Video: instrument approach lighting systems - May 19, 2020
A good synopsis of departure procedures – particularly ODPs. I’d like to reemphasize a point made in the presentation.
ATC may not assign an ODP in your clearance but, rather, the first fix on your filed flight plan. That should never be taken as an instruction to ignore the ODP. In this case ATC expects pilots to evaluate the local terrain and airplane performance then decide whether to fly the avoidance procedure of go directly to the filed fix.
If you guess wrong and find yourself heading toward trouble a heads up to ATC will efficiently get you out of harms way. Expect to hold ice cubes next to your ears after the flight.