Originally Posted by
RAC/OPS
Chevvron....did you read the bit about the acft being lined up on the runway? Unless your next inbound isn't due for 10 minutes or so I can't see why the original clearance couldn't stand or at least be replaced (if absolutely necessary) with something just to get him going. And if it's that busy that a SID has to replace a heading and altitude....why not just issue the SID in the first place.
Maybe some unpredicted traffic got in the way during taxy, so the departure controller, having originally tried to cut corners, reverted to sop.
My main experience is operating IFR in class G airspace where it is always wise to have a 'plan B' in mind when issuing a departure clearance.