Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 187; Flight Crew Type 8000
Distraction; Communication Breakdown
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Speed All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors
The SID had a 250 knot restriction which neither of us caught when briefing the departure (I read the points from CDU); FO verified on SID plate. Passing 12;000 ft; I gradually increased speed to 280. We began discussing the drone I had sighted immediately after getting airborne (drone was 1/4 mile away at approximately 800 ft AGL). During climbout; we reported it to ATC Departure; which is why I delayed the speed increase at 10;000 ft. We were given a step climb at which time I heard ATC say; 'normal speed.' ATC was stepping us up under another aircraft. ATC began asking the other aircraft about its speed. I suspected a problem and began slowing the aircraft and asked FO about 'normal speed' and he told me it was 'expect normal speed.' It was then I realized I had missed the speed restriction and part of the radio transmission. FO realized at same time. Shortly thereafter; ATC queried us about our speed which was slowing through 270 and we responded with current speed and that we were slowing. We maintained 250 for several minutes which allowed other aircraft to open up to a 12 mile separation lead at higher altitude.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
Air carrier flight crew reported neglect to note the 250 knot speed restriction on the SID and accelerated to 280 knots without being cleared to do so. Reporters cited being distracted by a drone while on climbout as contributing factor.