Plain English Meaning

A published set of instructions telling an IFR pilot exactly how to climb and turn after takeoff so the airplane stays clear of terrain, towers, and other traffic on its way up to its cruising route.

Full Definition

A preplanned instrument flight rules (IFR) procedure published for pilots to use after takeoff from an airport. A DP provides obstacle clearance from the runway to the en route structure, and may also be designed to organize traffic flow out of busy airspace. There are two types: Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs), which exist solely for terrain and obstacle avoidance, and (SIDs), which are issued primarily for traffic management and almost always require an .