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CFII in-training asking about ODP

Asked by: 1422 views Flight Instructor, Instrument Rating

CFII in-training and quick question. I fly out of KCDC and was planning a XC for flight planning purpose for check ride. I planned from KCDC to KPRC. I was looking at recently cleared routes on Foreflight and one for piston was set up to depart KCDC and fly direct to MATZO which is roughly 34 NM south off V235. V235 has an MEA of 12,400. So would I still fly the ODP if ATC cleared me direct MATZO? Or would I fly the ODP off RWY 20 until reaching the MEA for the direction of my flight? Thank you

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1 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Jul 14, 2023

    Unless it is one of those situations in which ATC is guaranteeing terrain and obstruction clearance, flying the ODP is the pilot’s prerogative, even of it is not part of the cleared route. You will find plenty of references to that. Start with AIM 5-2-9. (I did an article on departures a while back – https://www.ifr-magazine.com/avionics/ifr-departures/)

    If conditions are VFR, I have no problem with direct MATZO. IMC, I’m informing ATC I’m flying the ODP.

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