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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ifr-odp-gradient

Standard departure obstacle clearance assumes a minimum climb gradient of what?

200 feet per nautical mile.

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  1. 152 feet per nautical mile
  2. 300 feet per nautical mile
  3. 200 feet per nautical mile ✔

Why: Unless a departure procedure specifies otherwise, the AIM says to climb at least 200 feet per nautical mile. That is how the standard obstacle clearance works.

Huh, didn't know that: The standard also assumes you cross the departure end of the runway at 35 feet.

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References

Answer: 200 feet per nautical mile. Unless a departure procedure specifies otherwise, the AIM says to climb at least 200 feet per nautical mile. That is how the standard obstacle clearance works.

  1. AIM 5-2 Departure Procedures www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap5_section_2.html
    maintaining a minimum climb gradient of 200 feet per nautical mile (FPNM)
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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