Citation Excel (C560XL)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Procedure
Citation Excel departed VNY 16R and executed the NEWHALL 8 departure. Per the departure we executed a left turn to 110 degrees below 1;700 feet at VNY 2.2 DME. In the left turn; a TCAS TA activated and I continued the left turn to 095 degrees for less than 5 seconds; then corrected back to the right to 110 degrees. In the turn back to 110 degrees ATC SOCAL asked our heading and we informed them of our situation and intention. What I heard next was SOCAL ATC denying any traffic in our area and began arguing with the other pilot concerning the traffic. Then ATC realized we had remained on our 110 heading awaiting instructions. What I heard next was a barrage of instructions to Excel; 'Turn left to 320; continue turning left until I say; climb to 14;000 feet.' I began the left turn to 320 degrees and then reset the heading bug to a left turn beyond 320 degrees; then ATC SOCAL stated to begin our climb to 14;000 feet; which we did. During the 'heat of battle;' this all seemed to happen within a span of about 10-15 seconds; but that is only my impression. I suspect it may have been slightly longer. We continued the departure under ATC SOCAL instructions which was uneventful. My suggestion is to discontinue use of the NEWHALL 8 departure utilizing the turn to 110 degrees. The 110 degree heading from VNY is in direct conflict with LAX airspace; and if any delay in communication to aircraft at 4;000 feet or 7;000 feet is encountered; TCAS TA/RA instructions are very probable. Utilizing the right turn only for every departure off VNY 16R eliminates any conflict with airports in the LA area: BUR; SMO; LAX. If a right turn to an east-southeast heading is necessary; altitude is gained and potential conflicts reduced and/or eliminated.
Corporate jet departing VNY Runway 16R issued a Newhall 8 SID with a left turn experienced a TCAS RA; the reporter suggesting that due to the airspace involved; the NEWHALL SID should be modified.