1. Training
2. Clearance Delivery/Ground
3. Climb Via SID

Climb via SID Phraseology Guide

I. Preface

Note: This document is and may not be used for real-world ATC training. It is intended for use by controllers in the VATSIM network.

Purpose: This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the procedures to be used by all ZSE controllers to understand and apply the correct "Climb via SID" procedures at ZSE. 

II. Overview and Background

Beginning in July 2014 the FAA introduced new phraseology for standard instrument departures (SIDs), which has now been updated to NOTC51417-A.  The newest revision of the FAA JO 7110.65AA documents this change and should be referenced for questions. This document will direct the implementation and subsequent use of the climb via phraseology.  So, let us take a look at what changed. 

The first change we will look at is the phraseology. In this example, we will look at an old IFR clearance, and one using new phraseology. In the example, the a/c (DAL112) has filed to KSFO FL330 HAROB6 ERAVE Q1 ETCHY MLBEC BDEGA4. Further information is available in the 7110.65AA 4-2-1 (Clearance Items).

• Old: DAL112.  Cleared to San Francisco International Airport via the HAROB6 departure, ERAVE transition then as filed.  Maintain seven thousand. Departure frequency 125.6, squawk 1532.
• New: DAL112.  Cleared to San Francisco International Airport via the HAROB6 departure, ERAVE transition, then as filed.  Climb via SID except maintain seven thousand. Departure frequency 125.6, squawk 1532.

New VATUSA SID Phraseology:

1. If a SID has a published top altitude with published altitude restrictions:

Use “Climb via SID.”

2. If a SID has a published top altitude with published altitude restrictions, but you want the aircraft to climb to a different altitude, ignoring the published altitude restrictions:

Use  “Maintain XXXX”.

3. If a SID has a published top altitude with no published altitude restrictions: 

Use “Maintain XXXX.”

4. If a SID has a published top altitude reading "Assigned by ATC" and has published altitude restrictions:

Use “Climb via SID except maintain (altitude)”.

5. If a SID has no published top altitude and no published altitude restrictions:

Use “Maintain XXXX”.

In the TRACON Environment, the phraseology is as follows:

• "Seattle Departure, Delta 112 one thousand four hundred climbing seven thousand, HAROB6 departure".
• "Delta 112, Seattle departure.  Radar contact,  climb via SID except maintain one-five thousand". 
• "Climb via SID EXCEPT maintain one five thousand, Delta 112".
• Note:  To have the aircraft disregard all altitude restrictions, say MAINTAIN

III. Application to ZSE Procedures

Applying VATUSA Notification 51417-A and Change #3 to 7110.65AA (see especially para 4-3-3)

Notes:

•  Altitude restrictions include crossing restrictions at specific points (not turns to be completed at specific altitudes.) A SID is considered to have an altitude restriction if any part of the departure includes one (e.g. the SUMMA2 is considered to include an altitude restriction for purposes of “Climb via SID” phraseology, even though it only includes an altitude restriction at NEZUG for north departures but does not include an altitude restriction for south departures) “TOP ALTITUDE: ASSIGNED BY ATC” noted on a chart means the chart has no published top altitude.

• Non-SID departures always use “Maintain xxxx” phraseology.
• See below for a non comprehensive list of SIDs in ZSE with examples of appropriate clearances. Controllers should be familiar with the procedures at each airport within their airspace and apply these examples as needed.

Seattle Tacoma International Airport (KSEA)

1. SEA# - radar vectored SID with no published altitude restrictions and no published top altitude: "Maintain x,000. Expect [cruise altitude] one-five miles from the SEA VORTAC". (4-3-3 (f)(2))

2. SUMMA# -

North Flow: Hybrid SID with radar vectored segment after a published altitude restriction and "TOP ALTITUDE: ASSIGNED BY ATC": "Climb via SID except maintain 9,000". Expect [cruise altitude] one-five miles from the SEA VORTAC". (4-3-3 (e)(2)

South Flow: Pilot nav SID with no published altitude restrictions and "TOP ALTITUDE: ASSIGNED BY ATC": "Maintain 7,000. Expect [cruise altitude] one-five miles from the SEA VORTAC". (4-3-3 (f)(2))

3. MONTN# - Hybrid SID with radar vectored segment after a published altitude restriction and "TOP ALTITUDE: ASSIGNED BY ATC": "Climb via SID except maintain x,000." (4-3-3 (e)(2); note 4-3- 3 (f)(3) n/a as altitude restriction is prior to radar vectored segment)

4. HAROB#, BANGR#, ELMAA# - RNAV SIDs with published altitude restrictions and "TOP ALTITUDE: ASSIGNED BY ATC": "Climb via SID except maintain x,000." (4-3-3 (e)(2))

5. ISBRG#, JEFPO#, OZWLD# - RNAV SIDs with published altitude restrictions and "TOP ALTITUDE: 9000": "Climb via SID."

Other SIDs in ZSE with CVS phraseology:

• NRVNA# (KBFI) - "Climb via SID"
• CBAIN# (KBFI) - "Climb via SID"
• RENTN# (KRNT) - "Climb via SID"
• KLSHN# (KBLI) - In south flow "Climb via SID except maintain 3,000"
• SMMKY# (KMFR) - "Climb via SID except maintain 11,000"

Those are a few examples.

IV. References

FAA JO-7110.65AA w/c 2

Remaining questions should first be directed to the FAA JO-7110.65AA.  If the question remains unanswered, contact the TA at [email protected] for further assistance.  Please email the TA if any information is incorrect or conflicts with any other training or directive.