Originally Posted by
rudestuff
Short answer No. But it makes sense to let them know at the earliest opportunity, preferably before you depart the SID.
This.
You obviously must not let the communicating get in the way of the aviating but I can certainly think of one or two places in the States where it might be a very good idea to let ATC if you plan on climbing straight ahead instead of performing the initial turn (e.g. most of the JFK 31 left departures)…..