A recent scenario: on the ground in LAX we were given the LADYJ SID (that has a top altitude of 8000’) with the amended stipulation “climb via the SID except maintain 5000’”. No problem.
On departure we were switched to SOCAL departure who acknowledged our check on and said “climb via the SID”. I was expecting to hear an altitude along with the clearance otherwise I assume the 5000’ is still governing...the approaching mountains of Santa Monica were enough to get me to double check however.
The condescending tone of the controller telling to climb to 8000 VIA THE SID gave me the “argh should’ve known that” feeling, but it is still unnerving climbing without a clearly restated altitude when you know you are crossing the arrival paths of heavies on the arrival. I thought the altitude was usually restated in both Climb Via and Climb and Maintain clearances. Guess I learned something. Thoughts?