Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion; Training / Qualification; Situational Awareness; Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Airspace Structure; Chart Or Publication; Manuals; Procedure
I wanted to share a climb gradient issue out of DAL. When departing DAL on Runway 13R or 13L; the published SIDs have a waypoint crossing restriction at DRSET to be at or above 4000 ft MSL. The associated SIDs are CURLO 4; KKITY 4; LNDRE 4; and SWTSR 3. This point is only 7 NM off the departure end. This requires a climb gradient of 501 ft per NM to meet this restriction. The SIDs only list a climb gradient of 500 ft per NM to 1200 ft to meet obstacle clearances. The additional climb gradient to 4000 ft has been a challenge to meet in the older model aircraft and heavies; especially if a reduced takeoff thrust setting is initially programmed.List an [accurately determined] ATC climb gradient of [XXX] feet per NM to 4000 MSL for the associated SIDs on the charts. In addition; list the distance from Runway 13L/R to DRSET. As a side note; make Crews aware that the published climb gradient is for obstacle clearances unless explicitly labeled as an ATC climb gradient. Pilots need to be aware that a higher rate may be required to meet ATC crossing restrictions on a SID or Departure Procedure; and that ATC assumes we have calculated the climb rate required.
Reporter stated that this report was initiated from training and weight and balance discussion rather than from any particular incident. Reporter stated that the ATC required climb gradients for the altitude restrictions at the first waypoint are not published on the four SIDS mentioned in the narrative; and that manual computation has to be accomplished to ensure that the restrictions are made. Reporter stated that he used FMC generated distances from Runways 13L and 13R to DRSET and field elevation to determine the required climb gradient to meet the DRSET altitude restriction. Reporter reiterated that these restrictions are often difficult to make with a fully loaded aircraft; especially with a reduced power setting for takeoff; and stated that some confusion exists regarding these restrictions.
Air carrier pilot reported that climb gradients to DRSET should be published for Runways 13L and 13R on four SIDs at DAL.