Steven P. McNicoll wrote:

"Tim" wrote in message
news:KRJbf.3346$zu6.1726@fed1read04...

SoCal TRACON maintains very tight control over that airspace. Although I
have never flown IFR out of KSMO, I am sure they would assign a heading to
maintain for radar vectors. If I am correct, that would supercede the
ODP.



SMO does not have a surface area when the tower is closed, ATC cannot
specify direction of takeoff or turn after takeoff. If it is necessary to
specify an initial heading to be flown after takeoff, it must be issued so
as
to apply only within controlled airspace. An assigned heading does not
supersede the ODP, compliance with an ODP is the pilot's prerogative.


As I said, I haven't done it. I suspect, though, if someone started off
on something other than the assigned heading SoCal would be all over
them as soon as they saw any deviation. By that time, the departure
would almost certainly be above 700 feet, agl, and SoCal would have
absolute control. LA Airport has two ASRs, north and south. The north
side sees secondary targets well below 700 feet, agl, near SMO.