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3 Answers

IFR Departure, “turn heading XYZ”

Asked by: 1745 views FAA Regulations, Instrument Rating

Hey gang - I recently had a controller jump on me for turning too early on an IFR takeoff, and I’m trying to research the right answer. Clearance was, “ On departure, turn heading 330, radar vectors to XYZ.” WX was clear VMC. After reaching a stabilized climb and and when I felt safe, I initiated my turn.

I know about the diverse departure criteria and the 35’ above DER/400’ AGL criteria that define DPs. But I’m not certain if the context of those definitions translate to regulation (I.e. maybe I should have waited till 400’ to turn?)

Anyway, wanted to see what everyone thought!

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3 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Jun 27, 2020

    The 35’ above DER/400’ AGL criteria does not just define DPs. It defines the obstacle clearance for any IFR departure unless otherwise specified.

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  2. Best Answer


    John D Collins on Jun 28, 2020

    What is expected is that the turn will not commence until until past the departure end of the runway and at or above 400 feet above the DER. however, I am not aware of any specific regulation that prohibits a pilot from beginning a turn prior to reaching 400 feet above the runway. The TERPS criteria is intended to provide obstacle clearance when you are in IMC and can’t visually maintain separation from obstacles. So if you are in visual conditions and can avoid obstacles, I don’t believe it is prohibited. The 400 feet is there for your protection and is what is expected by the control tower, but I don’t find any regulation mandating it as long as the turning maneuver would not be careless or reckless so as to endanger the life or property of another.

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  3. RobA61 on Jun 29, 2020

    Thanks for the replies guys, definitely makes sense. BTW I spoke with the tower controller about the situation, which gave me some great insights. It turns out that there was traffic entering a downwind (runway 3, my turn was to heading 330, which put me in conflict of the traffic). I was not aware of this traffic since I was working checklists and not paying full attention to the tower freq. Had I better situational awareness, I probably would have not turned. Knowing that my clearance contained a turn in the direction of downwind traffic, a heads up by the controller wouldn’t have hurt either. Lesson learned on my end!

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