AIM Text
- Departure Control is an approach control function responsible for ensuring separation between departures. So as to expedite the handling of departures, Departure Control may suggest a takeoff direction other than that which may normally have been used under VFR handling. Many times it is preferred to offer the pilot a runway that will require the fewest turns after takeoff to place the pilot on course or selected departure route as quickly as possible. At many locations particular attention is paid to the use of preferential runways for local noise abatement programs, and route departures away from congested areas.
- Departure Control utilizing radar will normally clear aircraft out of the terminal area using vectors, a diverse vector area (DVA), or published DPs.
- When a departure is to be vectored immediately following takeoff using vectors, a DVA, or published DPs that begins with an ATC assigned heading off the ground, the pilot will be advised prior to takeoff of the initial heading to be flown but may not be advised of the purpose of the heading. When ATC assigns an initial heading with the takeoff clearance that will take the aircraft off an assigned procedure (for example, an RNAV SID with a published lateral path to a waypoint and crossing restrictions from the departure end of runway), the controller will assign an altitude to maintain with the initial heading and, if necessary, a speed to maintain.
- At some airports when a departure will fly an RNAV SID that begins at the runway, ATC may advise aircraft of the initial fix/waypoint on the RNAV route. The purpose of the advisory is to remind pilots to verify the correct procedure is programmed in the FMS before takeoff. Pilots must immediately advise ATC if a different RNAV SID is entered in the aircraft's FMC. When this advisory is absent, pilots are still required to fly the assigned SID as published.
- Pilots operating in a radar environment are expected to associate departure headings or an RNAV departure advisory with vectors or the flight path to their planned route or flight. When given a vector taking the aircraft off a previously assigned nonradar route, the pilot will be advised briefly what the vector is to achieve. Thereafter, radar service will be provided until the aircraft has been reestablished “on‐course” using an appropriate navigation aid and the pilot has been advised of the aircraft's position or a handoff is made to another radar controller with further surveillance capabilities.
- Controllers will inform pilots of the departure control frequencies and, if appropriate, the transponder code before takeoff. Pilots must ensure their transponder/ADS-B is adjusted to the “on” or normal operating position as soon as practical and remain on during all operations unless otherwise requested to change to “standby” by ATC. Pilots should not change to the departure control frequency until requested. Controllers may omit the departure control frequency if a DP has or will be assigned and the departure control frequency is published on the DP.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 5-2-8.
The short answer
This AIM section is FAA advisory guidance on Departure Control—the approach control function that separates departures using radar vectors, a diverse vector area (DVA), or published DPs. It covers initial assigned headings, RNAV SID advisories, transponder/ADS-B and frequency procedures. It supports IFR departure operations and speed compliance under 14 CFR 91.117.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What is Departure Control responsible for?
The AIM states Departure Control is an approach control function responsible for ensuring separation between departures. Using radar, it normally clears aircraft out of the terminal area using vectors, a diverse vector area (DVA), or published DPs, and may suggest a takeoff direction or runway requiring the fewest turns to place the pilot on course.
When will I get an initial heading before takeoff?
Per the AIM, when a departure is vectored immediately after takeoff using vectors, a DVA, or a DP that begins with an ATC-assigned heading off the ground, the pilot is advised of the initial heading before takeoff but may not be told its purpose. If that heading takes the aircraft off an assigned procedure, ATC also assigns an altitude and, if necessary, a speed.
What should I do about an RNAV SID advisory and my transponder?
The AIM says an RNAV initial fix/waypoint advisory reminds pilots to verify the correct procedure is programmed in the FMS, and pilots must immediately advise ATC if a different RNAV SID is entered. Pilots must ensure their transponder/ADS-B is in the 'on'/normal position as soon as practical and should not change to the departure frequency until requested.