Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Confusion; Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Chart Or Publication; Procedure; Aircraft
We departed on Runway 18C in CLT on the CLT 1 departure.  The departure states to fly runway heading to 1.6 DME off of the CLT VOR then turn right to a heading of 200 degrees.  We set the departure up in the FMS and verified the runway was correct in the FMS.  On take off we flew the FMS course which resulted in runway heading and a turn to 200 degrees.  As we entered the turn the Captain remarked that it seemed early and upon checking in with ATC notified them we were on a 200 degree heading.  ATC acknowledged and gave us further climb instructions and vectors on course.  After reaching a safe altitude we discussed the departure and reviewed the plate again.  We then became confused with the instructions on the chart.  The chart depicts a turn on the north side of the CLT VOR so we thought our initial turn was correct because this also coincided with what the FMS showed.  We were still unsure; so the next morning the Captain contacted Mr. X to get clarification.  By the afternoon Mr. X got back in touch with the Captain; and told him that he contacted CLT ATC to get clarification on the procedure as well because he agreed it was confusing.   From what we have been told it appears that the FMS is incorrectly coded and the graphics on the chart are incorrectly depicted.  As a result we now understand that the 1.6 DME turn is to be SOUTH of the CLT VOR.  After review it was discovered the 1.6 DME to the north is approximately the center of Runway 18C; which explains why the FMS; which is coded incorrectly; gave us an early turn.  At no time did ATC express concern nor were we at any time aware of any conflict with other aircraft.  We as a crew discovered the mistake and at the time were actually unsure if we had made a mistake or not.  We as a crew decided to seek clarification and upon being made aware by the company; decided to fill out a report.
CRJ-200 First Officer reports that the CLT 1 SID is poorly depicted and greatly confusing to crews that are not familiar with it.  The 1.6 DME turn when departing runway 18C is depicted on the north side of the VOR and it should be on the south side.  The FMC also appears to initiate the turn early. (Corrected in the June chart revision).