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Departure & Climb

After takeoff, contact the Departure controller (also called Radar). Departure manages the climb phase and ensures separation from other traffic along the SID and in the climb corridor.

Preparation

  • Departure frequency – received during the initial clearance or given by Tower at handoff
  • SID chart – altitude restrictions, speed limits, waypoints
  • Cleared altitude – initial climb altitude from the clearance (e.g., 5000 feet)
  • Expected cruise level – from the flight plan

Initial Contact

When checking in with Departure, state the current or target altitude.

Pilot: "Langen Departure, Lufthansa 123, passing 2400, climbing 5000."

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, radar contact, climb FL240."

Pilot: "Climb FL240, Lufthansa 123."

SID Compliance

Follow the SID route with its altitude restrictions and speed limits unless ATC instructs otherwise.

Altitude Change

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, climb FL320."

Pilot: "Climb FL320, Lufthansa 123."

Direct Routing

ATC may shortcut the SID:

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, direct MARUN, climb FL280."

Pilot: "Direct MARUN, climb FL280, Lufthansa 123."

Radar Vectors

If ATC assigns headings, the SID lateral path is suspended:

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, turn right heading 180, climb FL240."

Pilot: "Right heading 180, climb FL240, Lufthansa 123."

Follow the assigned heading until ATC returns you to the flight plan ("resume own navigation") or gives further vectors.

Important

  • Never climb above the cleared altitude — even if the SID shows a higher level
  • Speed restrictions on the SID apply unless ATC explicitly cancels them ("no speed restrictions")
  • Report reaching a cleared level when requested: "Lufthansa 123, level FL240"
  • If unable to comply with an instruction — say "unable" and state the reason

Handoff to Center

On longer routes, Departure hands off to Center (also called Control or Radar). On short routes like Frankfurt–Munich, the handoff may go directly to Approach at the destination.

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, contact Langen Radar on 128.95."

Pilot: "Langen Radar 128.95, Lufthansa 123."

What's next?

After reaching cruise altitude, the en route phase begins:

  • En Route – cruise flight and frequency changes