59 Departure Information
59.1 Pilots of departing aircraft should:
a) If departing in the direction of the circuit, climb on the extended centreline to circuit height. When past the departure end of the runway continue straight ahead or make a 45 degree turn in the circuit direction
b) If departing contrary to circuit direction, pilots should wait until 500 feet above circuit height before turning and bradcast on the CTAF
So it is not AGL, but circuit height - which is not necessarily 1000 feet AGL, otherwise you would not be able to depart contrary to circuit direction at Jandakot (circuit height 900 feet AGL) outside tower hours without busting Perth CTA.
It's a worry if instructors don't know their AIPs...or the difference between "should" and "recommended"...
