Removes a 'Climb and Maintain' clearance's impact on air traffic control's crossing restrictions along a SID (Standard Instrument Departure)?

Removes a 'Climb and Maintain' clearance's impact on air traffic control's crossing restrictions along a SID (Standard Instrument Departure)?

In the world of aviation, understanding the nuances of air traffic control (ATC) clearances is crucial for a safe and efficient flight. One such clearance that can cause confusion is the "climb and maintain" instruction during a Standard Instrument Departure (SID).

When a flight is given a "climb and maintain" clearance during a SID, all published altitude crossing restrictions on the SID are cancelled unless ATC explicitly re-issues or modifies them. This rule applies even if the flight was initially cleared to "climb via" the SID, which requires compliance with the published altitude restrictions.

This means you no longer need to comply with any intermediate altitude restrictions published on the SID or depicted in the departure procedure. You can climb continuously and directly to the altitude assigned in the clearance. However, published speed restrictions related to the SID’s lateral path must still be observed unless specifically cancelled.

Pilots should maintain at least a 500 feet per minute climb rate or notify ATC if unable. Upon receiving a "climb and maintain" clearance, pilots may also accelerate to the published SID speeds or their normal climb speed immediately.

It's important to note that "below/above" crossings no longer apply when you've been given a "climb and maintain" clearance. This means you can initiate an unrestricted climb to the cleared altitude without adhering to any specific crossing restrictions.

ATC usually assigns a departure procedure in the initial departure clearance. When cleared to "Climb and Maintain" an altitude, you are expected to vacate your current altitude and commence an unrestricted climb to comply with the clearance.

In the RITAA Seven departure, for example, the initial altitude restrictions are TTAPS at or below 4,000 feet, BOTLL at or below 5,000 feet, and FLYZA at or above 7,000 feet. However, when cleared to "Climb and Maintain" an altitude within this departure, you do not need to comply with these restrictions.

This rule is confirmed by FAA guidance and pilot training resources, which emphasize the distinction between "climb via" (which enforces SID altitude restrictions) and "climb and maintain" (which removes those restrictions except speed).

In conclusion, understanding the difference between "climb via" and "climb and maintain" clearances during a SID is essential for pilots to ensure a smooth and safe departure. Always remember to maintain a minimum climb rate of 500 feet per minute and follow any speed restrictions unless explicitly cancelled or amended by ATC.

[1] FAA Guidance and Pilot Training Resources [2] Subscribing to the Boldmethod email can provide real-world flying tips and information direct to your inbox, every week. [3] Garmin Pilot's new SmartCharts can make approach charts easier to navigate.

1. In the aviation industry, comprehending the intricacies of air traffic control (ATC) clearances is indispensable for a secure and efficient flight.
2. A "climb and maintain" instruction during a Standard Instrument Departure (SID) cancels all altitude crossing restrictions unless ATC explicitly re-issues or modifies them, even if the flight was initially cleared to "climb via" the SID.
3. With a "climb and maintain" clearance, you no longer need to comply with any intermediate altitude restrictions on the SID or as depicted in the departure procedure.
4. Pilots should adhere to a minimum climb rate of at least 500 feet per minute or notify ATC if they are unable to do so, and may accelerate to the published SID speeds or their normal climb speed immediately after receiving a "climb and maintain" clearance.
5. "Below/above" crossings no longer apply when you've been given a "climb and maintain" clearance, allowing for an unrestricted climb to the cleared altitude.
6. ATC usually assigns a departure procedure in the initial departure clearance, and pilots are expected to vacate their current altitude and commence an unrestricted climb to comply with a "climb and maintain" clearance.
7. In the RITAA Seven departure, initial altitude restrictions such as TTAPS, BOTTL, and FLYZA do not apply when cleared to "Climb and Maintain" an altitude within this departure.
8. FAA guidance and pilot training resources confirm this distinction between "climb via" (which enforces SID altitude restrictions) and "climb and maintain" (which removes those restrictions, except for speed).
9. Understanding the difference between "climb via" and "climb and maintain" clearances during a SID is vital for pilots to ensure a smooth and safe departure, and they should also follow any speed restrictions unless explicitly cancelled or amended by ATC.

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