4/20/23 

AIM 

FIG 5

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Diverse Departure Obstacle Assessment to 25/46 NM 

EXAMPLE

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TAKEOFF OBSTACLE NOTES: Rwy 14, trees 2011’ from DER, 29’ left of centerline, 100’ AGL/3829’ MSL. Rwy 

32, trees 1009’ from DER, 697’ left of centerline, 100’ AGL/3839’ MSL. Tower 4448’ from DER, 1036’ left of 

centerline, 165’ AGL/3886’ MSL. 

NOTE

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Compliance with 14 CFR Part 121 or 135 one

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engine

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inoperative (OEI) departure performance requirements, or similar 

ICAO/State rules, cannot be assured by the sole use of “low, close

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in” obstacle data as published in the TPP. Operators 

should refer to precise data sources (for example, GIS database, etc.) specifically intended for OEI departure planning for 

those operations. 

5. 

Climb gradients greater than 200 FPNM are specified when required to support procedure design 

constraints, obstacle clearance, and/or airspace restrictions. Compliance with a climb gradient for these purposes 

is mandatory when the procedure is part of the ATC clearance, unless increased takeoff minimums are provided 

and weather conditions allow compliance with these minimums. 

NOTE

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Climb gradients for ATC purposes are being phased out on SIDs. 

EXAMPLE

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“Cross ALPHA intersection at or below 4000; maintain 6000.” The pilot climbs at least 200 FPNM to 6000. If 4000 is 

reached before ALPHA, the pilot levels off at 4000 until passing ALPHA; then immediately resumes at least 200 FPNM 

climb. 

EXAMPLE

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“TAKEOFF MINIMUMS:  RWY 27, Standard with a minimum climb of 280’ per NM to 2500.” A climb of at least 280 FPNM 

is required to 2500 and is mandatory when the departure procedure is included in the ATC clearance. 

NOTE

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Some SIDs still retain labeled “ATC” climb gradients published or have climb gradients that are established to meet a 

published  altitude restriction that is not required for obstacle clearance or  procedure design criteria. These procedures will 

be revised in the course of the normal procedure amendment process. 

6. 

Climb gradients may be specified only to an altitude/fix, above which the normal gradient applies. 

An ATC

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required altitude restriction published at a fix, will not have an associated climb gradient published with 

that restriction. Pilots are expected to determine if crossing altitudes can be met, based on the performance 

capability of the aircraft they are operating. 

Departure Procedures 

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