Dave Butler wrote:
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



No, the exact language in the book is VFR DEPARTURE. (Where did I post
it, I typed the wording exactly as it appeared in the book?)
It is also explained on one of the recent PILOT'S AUDIO UPDATE CD'S.


Yes, and the language you posted makes it very clear that it is not an
IFR operation. Read what it says. A VFR departure is simply departing
VFR and getting a clearance later.

As I understand it, you have already obtained your IFR clearance, you
are just being held for release until the other inbound/outbound traffic
is assured to be clear of the airspace. You have your IFR clearance, you
depart VFR to provide the separation/obstruction/terrain clearance.
Similar to a VFR ON TOP clearance. You are IFR, but you are at a VFR
altitude and assume separation/obstruction/terrain clearance until such
time as you elect to operate at an IFR altitude or encounter IFR conditions.