It Looks Like Itll Work

My guardian angel has a perverse sense of humor. I cant count the number of times Ive done the wrong thing for the right reasons and had it turn out better than if I had seen it clearly from the start.

jwanwest

Tuesday, August 01, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Modern charted Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs), like KCLM's WATTR SIX, can pose challenges for pilots due to reliance on outdated navigation technology (e.g., NDBs) not commonly available or maintained in contemporary aircraft.
Under Part 91 regulations, pilots have flexibility to devise alternative, safe departure strategies when equipment limitations prevent compliance with a charted ODP, exploring options such as nearby airport procedures, VOR tracking, or Visual Climb Over Airport (VCOA) methods.
Regardless of the chosen departure path, pilots must prioritize terrain avoidance, especially in mountainous areas, and effectively communicate their navigation intentions to ATC to ensure a safe transition from takeoff to en route.

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My guardian angel has a perverse sense of humor. I can’t count the number of times I’ve done the wrong thing for the right reasons and had it turn out better than if I had seen it clearly from the start.

That angel would be chuckling, through, watching me puzzle out an IMC departure from Fairchild International in Port Angeles, WA (KCLM). It looks simple on the surface: Fly the WATTR SIX. This is a charted departure procedure for obstacles. Pilots east of the mighty Mississippi rarely see these, but they help many western pilots clear the rocks as they claw their way skyward and into radar coverage.