Definition
A departure procedure option for pilots operating in visual conditions in lieu of complying with a published obstacle departure procedure. The pilot, when operating in visual conditions, climbs visually over the airport to cross the airport at or above an altitude specified in the departure procedure, and then proceeds on course.
Plain English
A way to depart an airport when the weather is good enough to see clearly. Instead of flying the standard published climb path away from the airport, the pilot circles up over the airport itself, climbing in visual conditions until reaching a safe altitude, then sets off on the planned route.
Context Anchor
Seen on instrument departure procedures when terrain or obstacles make a normal straight-out climb unsuitable without special instructions.
Why Pilots Care
Provides a standardized, safe way to depart airports surrounded by obstacles without relying on a published instrument procedure.
Grounding Statement
The key idea is: climb where you can still see and avoid obstacles, then join the instrument departure after reaching the published altitude.
Intuition Check
Do not read “visual climb” as “climb however you want because you can see outside.” In this context, it is a published instrument departure option with specific weather and altitude requirements.
Example Sentence 1
Because of the mountains east of the field, the crew elected to fly the VCOA, circling over the airport until reaching 8,000 feet before turning on course.
Example Sentence 2
Because no SID was available, ATC cleared the flight for the VCOA procedure published for runway 27.