SID Speed Profiles
 

Hi there!

Just a quick question for you ATC folk! I'm sure it's been asked before.....

If a SID shows a required speed profile above FL100, say 270-280 knots to FL250 or so, and you put us on a heading early in the SID, do you still expect the speed profile to be respected? My understanding is that once off the SID any altitude or speed restrictions no longer apply. However, occasionally I have had some ATCO's giving us a heading and later on (perhaps FL 200) telling us to resume normal speed. This would imply that they expected us to maintain the speed in the SID?????

Many thanks for any replies,

CP

Would you by chance be talking about the manchester tma departure sppeed trial via HON?

C.Paddy,
This comes down to an age old question of book against common sense. You are correct in thinking(and applying) that if taken off the SID, offically, you are no longer under those rules and the same applies for STARS.
Now for the common sense bit. These rules, like SLP's on STARS are there to help the controller provide a safe service. If you are given a heading it is either to solve a problem or expedite your departure/arrival. Either way, if you decide to fly slower/quicker, I warning would always help. We cannot provide a good service by leaving everything to run and need headings to sequence in and out so help us by keeping us in the picture, generally, up here in Scottyland, we do the no speed thing but bear in mind that just because a controller is not talking, does not mean he is not very busy.
Hope this helps

Cheers for the replies guys.

We generally do maintain the speed profile even when off the SID as you suggest, to be safe than sorry! But I suppose it's just another case of the theory versus the practice.

However, not all pilots will adhere to speeds and or passing altitude at XXX requirements when recleared or taken off the SID/STAR track. Unfortunately, the book will say they're not wrong. Danceswithsheep, I agree with your note regarding advising ATC of any deviations to ensure everyone is in the loop. Has to be the safest option.

Many thanks,

CP.