Definition
A preplanned instrument flight rule (IFR) procedure published for pilot use, in graphic or textual form, that provides obstruction clearance from the terminal area to the appropriate en route structure. There are two types: Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs), which are printed either textually or graphically, and Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), which are always printed graphically.
Plain English
A published route and set of instructions that tells an IFR pilot how to safely climb out of an airport and connect with the en route airway system without hitting terrain or obstacles.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument departure planning, IFR clearances, and charted departure procedures before takeoff.
Why Pilots Care
It guarantees safe obstacle clearance during departure when visibility is low or at night.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a DP as just a preferred route. Its main purpose is to give a safe, planned way to depart, especially when obstacle clearance matters.
Example Sentence 1
After receiving their IFR clearance, the crew briefed the DP and confirmed they could meet the published climb gradient.
Example Sentence 2
The tower cleared the flight for the DP that matched the assigned runway.