Military
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 40; Flight Crew Total 480; Flight Crew Type 240
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors
Flight of two cleared as filed via EEEGL3 departure; with altitude restriction at 2200 feet. Passing departure end cleared to 3000 feet in accordance with published departure. Reaching intercept heading; pilot then initiated climb to 6000 feet to comply with next published altitude. This departure requires a steep climb rate (>3000fpm); and in previous exercise events aircraft are automatically cleared to climb once established outbound.
On climbout was given 3000 feet. Lead aircraft continued climbing in accordance with departure as is usually the case. Was told to level off at 6000 feet. Lead aircraft was told that it was due to 'loss of separation'.
Two military pilots reported an altitude excursion due to expectation of clearance similar to previous exercises.