Obstacle Departure Procedures assume the aircraft will turn after crossing the runway threshold at how many feet AGL?

• A. 800 ft AGL
• B. 400 ft AGL
• C. 200 ft AGL
• D. 1000 ft AGL

Answer: (B)

ODP timing uses a fixed turning altitude to ensure obstacle clearance right after takeoff. The initial turn is assumed to begin after you cross the runway threshold at 400 feet above ground level. This standard value provides enough height for a safe turn and climb given typical performance and obstacle layouts near the departure path. Remember, this height is above the surface; to convert to mean sea level, add the airport’s elevation. So if the airport elevation is 2,000 ft MSL, you’d be turning around at about 2,400 ft MSL. The other heights don’t match the standard obstacle clearance design used in ODPs.