Departure Control

Departure control is the ATC function responsible for providing radar control service to IFR aircraft departing from an aerodrome. Departure control sequences departing aircraft, provides radar vectors for noise abatement and traffic flow, and climbs aircraft through the terminal area until they are handed off to the en route ACC sector.

Post-Departure Sequence

After takeoff, aircraft operating IFR are instructed to contact departure on the frequency provided by the tower during the pre-departure clearance. Departure will issue initial altitude instructions, headings, and traffic information. Once established on the departure route and clear of terminal traffic, the aircraft is handed to the ACC.

VFR Departures

VFR aircraft departing from controlled airports are released by the tower. They do not normally receive departure radar service unless they specifically request flight following. When flight following is desired, request it from the tower before departure — the tower will coordinate with departure control.

Related Terms

See also: ATC Clearance, Control Tower, Approach/Arrival Control.