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Takeoff from St. Maarten
The FAA “low, close-in obstacles” are referenced with the ODPs in the “TAKEOFF MINIMUMS, (OBSTA- CLE) DEPARTURE PROCEDURES, AND DIVERSE VECTOR AREA (RADAR VECTORS)” indicated with a non-standard takeoff negative “T”.
3. Weather minimums can be increased to see and avoid obstacles while climbing in visual conditions. This can be seen on the Jeppesen Chart No. 10-9A (KPSP). The Take-Off & Obstacle Departure Procedure for Runway 13R at KPSP indicates that you may “Climb in Visual Conditions” using standard climb gradients if the Ceiling is 5900 feet and the visibility is 3 SM (5900-3). The FAA chart indicates the same 5900-3 in the “Takeoff Mini- mums, (Obstacle) Departure Procedures, and Diverse Vector Area (Radar Vectors) on page L20. This section is also highlighted by the negative “T.” By the way, Diverse Vector Area means random vector or in any direction. (A Diverse Vector Area (DVA) has been surveyed by the FAA and meets all ODP criteria for departures, obstacles and terrain sufficient to allow the controller to issue radar vectors within the coverage of the DVA. They also allow for radar vectors below the controller’s normal Minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA)).
4. RTRL-Reduced Takeoff Runway Length. In our example at Arkadelphia, Arkansas (KADF), takeoff notes for Runway 4 state: “Alternatively, with standard take-off minimums and a normal 200 feet/NM climb gradient, take-off must occur no later than 1900 feet. prior to the departure end of the runway.” In this example, if we start our climb early and are well above the normal
minimum of 35 feet above the departure end of the runway, the runway provides additional obstacle clear- ance. We do not need to comply with the increased climb gradient of 237 feet/NM to 400 feet.
5. VCOA-Visual Climb Over Airport to the enroute struc- ture. You must obtain ATC approval or advise ATC at non-towered fields. Circle over the airport and avoid the obstacles visually until you get to the enroute segment. At Reno Tahoe International (KRNO), the SPARKS 1 OBSTACLE DEPARTURE for all North and South runways requires a 3200-foot ceiling and 3-mile visibility for a Visual Climb Over Airport. Be advised that the 3200 feet is AGL (not MSL), or the ceiling would be below the airport elevation of 4415 feet.
6. Procedure/Route. A route or heading to avoid the ob- stacles is a common course of action to comply with a SID or ODP. Boyne Falls, MI/Boyne Mountain Airport (KBFA) states that for runway 17, you need to climb, heading 175 degrees to 1400 feet, before proceeding on course. This is, of course, so you do not fly into the mountain. The procedure may be a simple heading like at Boyne Falls or much more detailed such as at Aspen, Colorado (KASE) runway 35, LINDZ 9 Departure that has a much more detailed route, altitude restrictions, and a 465 feet/NM climb gradient to 10,000 feet.
The word “Standard” or “STD” by itself is usually a ref- erence to the standard takeoff minimums requirements. They are referencing the required visibility only. These are applicable to Part 121 and 135 operations but do not apply to Part 91 operations. The standard requirement for airplanes with two engines or less is 1 SM. The standard requirement for operations with three engines or more is 1⁄2 SM. Part 91 pilots are allowed to assume more risk, so the requirements do not apply to them. Now, we have all seen airliners take off with much less visibility than these. Operation Specifications allow Part 121 and 135 operators to have lowered minimums if trained and approved by the FAA. Most operators train to 500 RVR, but only on long runways with full lighting systems, including centerline lights. If a visibility limitation is listed in other areas, such as 3 SM for a VCOA, it becomes a limitation to Part 91 opera- tors as well as commercial operators (parts 121 and 135).
SIDs need to be issued by ATC to fly them. You may not fly a SID without a clearance. ODPs are not issued by ATC except in some cases for traffic separation. It is helpful to ATC if you advise them that you will be flying an ODP. It will also be very helpful to you by guaranteeing you ter- rain and obstacle avoidance, something most pilots are highly fond of.
Some Gotchas
The RUUDY SIX RNAV Departure at Teterboro, NJ (KTEB) for Runway 24 indicates a top altitude of 2000 feet. However, the plan view and the notes both indicate a mandatory altitude of 1500 feet to cross WENTZ Intersec- tion and then resume the climb to 2000 feet after passing WENTZ Intersection. Many pilots have busted this altitude
10 • TWIN & TURBINE / February 2024