Medium Large Transport
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 50; Flight Crew Total 5700; Flight Crew Type 200
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Procedure
After departure from [a southern California airport] on a fire dispatch we contacted SoCal approach for flight following to a fire in Northern California. Plan was to climb to 14;500 feet; proceed direct to LANDO intersection then direct to the fire. This would keep us clear of restricted airspace. The initial climb would be up Cahone pass to avoid terrain. Once terrain was cleared; turn direct LANDO. Upon check in with socal approach right after takeoff; they directed us to fly heading 360 for traffic. We complied; we were in clear VFR conditions and could recognize we were not going to out climb the terrain. We held heading 360 for as long as we felt we could maintain it. I instructed my First Officer to contact socal and inform them we needed to deviate to avoid the terrain; and started a slight left turn (30-40 degree left turn) to parallel the hills. We maintained a distance of less than 1/2 mile from the mountains; still below the ridge line. SoCal approach got after us For deviating from heading 360. Our terrain warning system was in the red pull up mode this whole time. Once we were able to clear the terrain we informed SoCal approach that we could now return to heading 360. The controller informed us we were on our own. I am pretty sure he never realized how close to the hills we were. Saving grace was that we were in daylight hours with clear air and visability unrestricted. Otherwise I don't think the outcome would have been good.
A fire fighting aircraft departing a Southern California airport is given a heading to fly on climbout that conflicts with terrain. ATC scolds them after they deviate; while trying to advise ATC of the terrain conflict.