Definition
Departure Procedures (DPs) are preplanned instrument flight rules (IFR) procedures published by the FAA that provide obstacle clearance from the takeoff runway to the en route phase of flight. There are two types: Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs), which provide only obstacle clearance and do not require ATC clearance to fly unless assigned, and Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), which are issued by ATC to simplify clearance delivery and provide a transition from the airport into the en route structure.
Plain English
DPs are pre-designed routes for leaving an airport under instrument flight rules. They keep the aircraft safely clear of terrain and obstacles after takeoff and guide it onto its planned route. Some are flown for obstacle avoidance, and others are issued by air traffic control to keep departures organized.
Context Anchor
Seen during IFR preflight planning, clearance review, and the first part of an instrument flight after takeoff.
Derivation
From Latin departire, meaning 'to divide' or 'go away from.' In aviation, a departure is the phase of flight from takeoff until joining the en route structure. 'Procedure' indicates a published, repeatable sequence of actions — in this case, a charted route with altitudes and headings.
Why Pilots Care
Following a DP keeps the aircraft safely above obstacles and ensures compliance with ATC routing even when visibility is low.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a departure as only the moment the wheels leave the runway. In IFR flying, the departure includes the planned route, headings, climbs, and instructions used after takeoff.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot reviewed the DP for the departure runway to confirm the initial heading and crossing altitudes before requesting an IFR clearance.
Example Sentence 2
Reviewing the DP before engine start confirmed the initial heading and altitude restrictions.