Departing IFR at SMO w/ Tower Closed

On Tue, 08 Nov 2005 06:47:09 -0800, Tim wrote:



In most instances, ATC will NOT specify a DP. Executing the DP procedure,
at least for Part 91 flights, is pilot option. There is no requirement to
notify ATC.

SMO lies in critical airspace. There is no way SoCal is going to launch
an IFR departure without very specific instructions.



You've mentioned this a few times.

What are those specific instructions when departing IFR from SMO with the
tower closed?

That was one of the questions the OP posed.

If the TRACON is issuing radar vectors off the ground, then, as I quoted
from the AIM, that would supersede any ODP. But ATC is then responsible
for obstacle clearance, of course.


It is so critical that a few years ago a Kingair elected to
circle-to-land Runway 3 after the tower was closed and they ended up
with a loss of separation with an air carrier departure out of LAX that
had been turned northwest over the ocean but too close to SMO.

What was the KingAir's clearance?

Whether it was a problem (i.e. who buys the 'deal') for the KingAir pilot
would depend on his specific clearance.


Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)