Definition
Published instrument flight procedures that provide a safe, obstacle-clear path from the runway to the en route structure after takeoff. DPs come in two forms: Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs), which give terrain and obstacle clearance, and Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs), which add air traffic control routing for traffic flow management.
Plain English
A pre-planned route to follow after takeoff that keeps the aircraft safely away from terrain and obstacles, and often fits the aircraft into the wider air traffic flow.
Context Anchor
Seen in instrument flying, especially when reviewing airport procedures before departure or reading an instrument clearance.
Why Pilots Care
They guarantee safe obstacle clearance during the critical climb phase in low visibility or at night.
Intuition Check
DPs do not mean any casual way of leaving an airport. In this context, they are published procedures designed for instrument departures and obstacle clearance.
Example Sentence 1
After receiving their IFR clearance, the crew briefed the assigned DP and confirmed the required climb gradient before taxiing.
Example Sentence 2
ATC assigned the pilot the published DP to join the airway after departure.