Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Takeoff Minimums and Departure Procedure

Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 91, prescribes standard takeoff rules for certain civil users. At some airports, obstructions or other factors require the establishment of nonstandard takeoff minimums, departure procedures, or both to assist pilots in avoiding obstacles during climb to the minimum en route altitude. Those airports are listed in National Airspace System (NAS)/Department of Defense (DOD) Instrument Approach Plate (IAP) Charts (W's) under a section entitled "IFR Takeoff Minimums and Departure Procedures." The IAP chart legend illustrates the symbol used to alert the pilot to nonstandard takeoff minimums and departure procedures. When departing Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) from such airports or from any airports where there are no departure procedures, standard instrument departures (SID's), or Air Traffic Control (ATC) facilities available, pilots should advise ATC of any departure limitations. Controllers may query a pilot to determine acceptable departure directions, turns, or headings after takeoff. Pilots should be familiar with the departure procedures and must assure that their aircraft can meet or exceed any specified climb gradients. (FAA4)