BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE AIR FORCE ...

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AFMAN 11-217V1 3 JANUARY 2005
way of knowing in advance what radar vectors they will receive, aircrews must plan
to meet or exceed the highest of the climb gradients published for that runway with
all engines operating unless they can determine a lower climb gradient is
permissible (i.e., MAJCOM TERPS Office).
9.9.4.3. When departing using radar vectors, it is important to understand some
limitations. These limitations drive the USAF to using the conservative guidance for
radar vector climb gradients above.
9.9.4.3.1. ATC may assume responsibility for obstacle clearance by vectoring an
aircraft prior to the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA) by using a Diverse Vector
Area (DVA). The DVA has been assessed (i.e., TERPS) for departures that do
not follow a specific ground track. ATC may also vector aircraft off a previously
assigned SID or DP. ATC controllers may not issue vectors to an aircraft prior to
reaching the MVA unless there is a DVA for that airport. When a DVA is
developed, the standard climb gradient required is 200 ft per nm. ATC controllers
in the US are required to issue the climb gradient for the DVA in the IFR
clearance to the aircrew if it is greater than 200 ft/nm.
9.9.4.3.2. MVAs and DVAs are not published outside of local directives.
Aircrews have no readily accessible method of ascertaining if there is a DVA for
that airport or the required climb gradient. Simple issuance of radar vectors on
departure does not imply the existence of a DVA.
9.9.4.3.3. Bottom line: When departing via radar vectors, an aircrew does not
know until airborne what specific ground track they will end up following.
Therefore, the crew does not know what the required climb gradient will be until
after airborne. The intent of AFI 11-202 Volume 3 General Flight Rules, and this
AFMAN is that aircrews will accomplish departure planning prior to takeoff, to
include determination of required climb gradients. Therefore, when departing
using specific ATC departure instructions, because aircrews do not know which
ground track they will fly until after airborne, they must plan to meet the highest
climb gradient unless they can positively determine (i.e., MAJCOM TERPS
review) a lower climb gradient is permissible, as stated in paragraph 9.9.4.2.
9.9.5. How to Fly Specific ATC Departure Instructions.
9.9.5.1. Generally specific ATC departure instructions will be issued with your IFR
clearance. They are not published procedures for you to file.
9.10. Diverse Departure.
9.10.1. Diverse Departure. If no obstacles penetrate the 40:1 OCS for a particular
runway, then a minimum climb gradient of 200 feet per nautical mile will ensure proper
obstacle clearance. In this case, a “diverse departure” will ensure obstacle clearance. A
diverse departure means the pilot may execute a turn in any direction from the runway
and remain clear of obstacles. To fly a diverse departure, track runway centerline until
400 feet above the departure end of the runway elevation before executing any turns.
Maintain a minimum climb gradient of 200 feet per nautical mile until reaching a
minimum IFR altitude.
9.10.1.1. NOTE: There are airports around the world where the diverse departure