Steven P. McNicoll wrote:

wrote in message newsWRcf.331$7A.96@fed1read04...

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.


No they wouldn't. If a published IFR departure procedure is not included in
an ATC clearance, compliance with such a procedure is the pilot's
prerogative.


I accept that, for sake of discussion. But, once the aircraft enters
Class E airspace, and the TRACON sees it on radar, are you telling me
that the TRACON does not have absolute control over the aircraft at that
point in time?