Citation Excel (C560XL)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 96; Flight Crew Total 4520; Flight Crew Type 2320
Situational Awareness; Confusion
Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Chart Or Publication; Human Factors
Before departure from SNA; the MUSEL7 departure was briefed and loaded into the FMS. Based on the pictorial depiction from the current Jeppesen chart 10-3D dated Sep 14; the course appears to follow the LOC BC from runway 20R until 1.0 DME I-SNA; then a 177 degree course to MUSEL; followed by a hard right turn the SLI VOR. This was the procedure that was briefed. Because the turn is so tight (more than 270 degrees to the right); the FMS commanded a right turn before reaching the MUSEL intersection (smart turn). During the right turn ATC issued instructions to fly heading 210. At that point we were turning right past 230 degrees and returned to the left heading 210. The departure then continued uneventfully. ATC did not indicate that the procedure was being flown incorrectly. There was no traffic conflict.Upon review of the departure procedure after safely reaching cruising altitude; I discovered that the text description of the departure route indicates a left turn to 177 degrees after reaching the 1.0 DME I-SNA for VECTORS to the MUSEL intersection. This is different from what is depicted in the picture; which seems to indicate that you are supposed to fly directly to MUSEL and then turn hard right.Suggested resolution: Jeppesen should revise this chart to clarify that the 177 degree heading is not a clearance direct to MUSEL; it is a heading to fly while waiting for vectors; and it is possible that ATC will not turn you to the right until after passing MUSEL.There was no conflict or ATC inquiry. This report is filed to improve the charting of this particular departure procedure.
A track deviation occurred when the flight crew of a C560XL turned right toward SLI as they approached MUSEL; having misinterpreted the plan view depiction of the MUSEL SID off SNA and failing to have briefed the textual description which requires flights to maintain a 177 degree heading for vectors to MUSEL.