Definition 1 of 2
Plain English Meaning
A pre-designed departure path that keeps aircraft clear of terrain and obstacles after takeoff in low-visibility conditions. It tells the pilot exactly how to climb out, which way to turn, and how steeply to climb to stay safe.
Full Definition
A published instrument flight procedure that provides a path of obstacle clearance from the runway end to the en route structure when departing certain airports under instrument flight rules. An ODP specifies climb gradients, , and required to safely avoid terrain and obstacles in the . ODPs are -selected unless assigns one, and they are published in textual or graphic form in the 's .