American Airlines Virtual

Dear All.

I have a query about the heading I should take when departing KDFW using the Joe Pool Four Departure SID

The chart for the Joe Pool departure indicates a 160 degree turn for 17C and 17R and 185 degree turn for 18L and 18R.

Should I use these headings or continue using the runway heading until I fly the SID?

Best regards,

Peter Keenan
AAV1161

Peter,

In this case you want to fly the assigned heading specific to the RWY you are departing from. In a departure like this where a heading to intercept is specified you fly RWY heading to 400ft AGL (Above Ground Level) and then turn to the assigned heading. You will always fly RWY heading to at least 400AGL. After 400AGL if required by the SID you can turn as required. If no turn is required don't make any turns below 1000AGL.

In the realworld it's actually easier because you always have ATC to give you vectors and we almost always fly RNAV SIDs but in the flightsim world sometimes you are on your own. If you have ATC they will assign you further HDG's to fly to intercept the SID but if you are on your own or flying offline you can maneuver to intercept the departure above 1000AGL.

Hope this helps

Dear All,

Many thanks for your help.

All is now clear for me.

Best regards,

Peter Keenan