VOR-DME wrote:

I thank you, and the previous poster for these regulatory citations,
which help to clarify. I actually did check my AIM before initiating
this thread, and did not find any of this language indicating pilot's
perogative to adhere to the ODP. My AIM is 2008. Has this language
appeared or disappeared recently?


No, it's been there for quite some time.


I did see this in 5-2-8 :
"As a general rule, ATC will only assign an ODP from a non-towered
airport when compliance with the ODP is necessary for aircraft to
aircraft separation. Pilots may use the ODP to help ensure separation
from terrain and obstacles."

It would appear this specific case does not follow the "general rule"
as the ODP published is clearly for terrain and accomplishes nothing
for aircraft separation, which it could actually exacerbate if an
aircraft is initiating an approach at the same fix.


All ODPs are created for terrain or obstacle clearance purposes, that's the
"O" in ODP. It's just that they will only be assigned if doing so assists
in separation between aircraft.