When should I use an ODP?

What is an ODP?

ODP stands for Obstacle Departure Procedure. ODPs provide obstruction clearance via the least onerous route from the terminal area to the appropriate en route structure.

What is the difference between an ODP and SID?

ODPs and SIDs are the two main types of departure procedures. ODPs are only used for obstruction clearance and do not include ATC-related climb requirements. ODPs are designed to provide the least restrictive route of flight to the en route structure. SIDs are ATC-requested and developed departure procedures to increase capacity of terminal airspace and effectively control the flow of traffic with minimal communication. While obstacle clearance is always considered in SID routing, the primary goal is to reduce ATC and pilot workload while providing seamless transitions to the en route structure.

When can I fly an ODP?

ODPs may be flown without ATC clearance unless an alternate departure procedure (SID or radar vector) has been specifically assigned by ATC.

Where are ODPs found?

ODPs are published in the Terminal Publications Procedures (TPP) booklet, under "Take-off Minimums, (OBSTACLE) Departure Procedures and Diverse Vector Area (Radar Vectors)". ODPs are usually depicted in text form. In cases where they are in graphical form, the word (OBSTACLE) will be printed in the procedure title; e.g. GEYSR THREE DEPARTURE (OBSTACLE).

What are the ODP climb assumptions?

Unless specified otherwise, required obstacle clearance is based on the pilot crossing the departure end of the runway (DER) at least 35 feet above the DER elevation, climbing to 400 feet above the DER elevation before making the initial turn, and maintaining a minimum climb gradient of 200 ft/ NM, unless required to level off by a crossing restriction, until the minimum IFR altitude is reached. It is important to note the ODPs do not provide clearance for low, close in obstacles, which are within 1 nm of the departure end of the runway, up to 200 ft AGL. However, these will be documented below the departure procedures (see example above).


(Refer to FAA-H-8083-16B; Chapter 1 for more information)