Definition
A specific RNAV departure procedure published for Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) that uses path and terminator (leg type) coding to define the departure track. It is referenced in FAA training material as a representative example of how RNAV departures are constructed using sequential leg types such as CF (Course to a Fix), DF (Direct to a Fix), and TF (Track to a Fix) to guide the aircraft from the runway through climb segments and on toward the en route structure.
Plain English
It is the name of a published RNAV departure from Palm Springs that the FAA uses as a teaching example to show how each leg of an RNAV departure is built and flown.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument departure charts, in air traffic control clearances, and in handbook examples showing how departure routes are built from coded path-and-terminator legs.
Why Pilots Care
Allows safe, predictable departure from busy airports while complying with ATC routing and terrain clearance requirements.
Intuition Check
Do not read “CHANNEL ONE DEPARTURE” as “use radio channel 1” or “the first departure option.” Here, it is a proper name for one specific published departure procedure.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor used the Channel One Departure out of Palm Springs to show how CF, DF, and TF legs work together in a real RNAV SID.
Example Sentence 2
ATC cleared the flight via the CHANNEL ONE DEPARTURE after takeoff from runway 27.