Dave Butler wrote:
AFAIK there is no term "VFR departure" that means what you said.

He meant VFR climb. That makes you responsible for terrain and
possibly traffic. This is very common out here in the West to
expedite getting on course, you don't have to follow a cumbersome DP
to clear terrain.

OK. VFR climb I am familiar with. I've never seen it used when issued a
clearance prior to takeoff, though. Must be a regional thing. I can see
where it could be convenient where terrain is an issue. DGB

Found it. Accidently got posted a couple threads down.

This from the newly issued INSTRUMENT PROCEDURES HANDBOOK (FAA-H-8261-1)
Page 2-32...

VFR DEPARTURE
There may be times when you need to fly an IFR flight plan due to the
weather you will encounter at a later time (or if you simply wish to fly
IFR to remain proficient), but the weather outside is clearly VFR. It
may be that you can depart VFR, but you need to get an IFR clearance
shortly after departing the airport. A VFR departure can be used as a
tool that allows you to get off the ground without having to wait for a
time slot in the IFR system, however, departing VFR with the intent of
receiving and IFR clearance in the air can also present serious hazards
worth considering.
A VFR departure dramatically changes the takeoff responsibilities for
you and for ATC. Upon receiving clearance for a VFR departure, you are
cleared to depart; however, you must maintain separation between
yourself and other traffic. You are responsible for maintaining terrain
and obstruction clearance as well as remaining in VFR weather
conditions. You cannot fly in IMC without first receiving your IFR
clearance. Likewise, a VFR departure relieves ATC of these duties, and
basically requires them only to provide you with safety alerts as
workload permits.
Maintain VFR until you have obtained your IFR clearance and have ATC
approval to proceed on course in accordance with your clearance. If you
accept this clearance and are below the minimum IFR altitude for
operations in the area, you accept responsibiility for
terrain/obstruction clearance until you reach that altitude.