Citation III; VI; VII (C650)
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 75; Flight Crew Total 6600; Flight Crew Type 1000
Confusion; Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Procedure; Human Factors
We were to depart ATL Runway 26L in good VFR conditions. We briefed the ATL5 departure procedure and were both in agreement with the requirements needed. After several minutes we were cleared onto the runway. We complied with line up and wait instruction and then proceeded to wait 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on the runway. No alternate departure instructions were given to us or given as 'expect' while we waited on the runway. Tower issued the following takeoff clearance 'cleared for takeoff; turn right at the middle marker heading 310 degrees'. I selected marker beacons to overhead speaker on the audio panel and we departed the runway. At the middle marker the flying pilot stated he was initiating the right turn. At this moment there was a short discussion about whether the turn was to be at the middle marker or the outer marker. We agreed that the turn was to be at the middle marker and the turn was initiated. The delay was approximately 20 seconds. Once in the turn the Tower queried us as to whether we were in the turn. We responded that we were but were given a new vector to 340 degrees. As a professional crew we prepared thoroughly for the departure using the published information available including the airport diagram; the ATL5 departure procedure and all information available from the current ATIS. There is no mention of a procedure to expect a turn at the middle marker; part of an instrument approach to a different runway. There is no reason we would have briefed this approach or intersection based on our direction of flight and the good VFR conditions that prevailed. The procedure to turn at this point is a 'local procedure' known to those at ATL ATC and those who routinely fly out of this airport. We rarely use this airport. The need for an immediate turn after lift off is problematic at best due to the saturation of duties at this time. Establishing and maintaining a positive rate of climb; retracting and verifying landing gear up monitoring engine power and parameters; completing flows and checklists and communicating with crew members are all priorities at this time. Complying with a turn at this point is an added task that would be better delayed until the initial stages of climb have been completed. If a turn is unavoidable at this point it would certainly be appropriate for ATC to advise to 'expect a turn at the middle marker' prior to line up and wait instructions or at least once given clearance onto the runway so that the crew can prepare to comply. The FAA; with an emphasis on safety; should remove this procedure from ATC use.
CE650 Reports being cleared for takeoff from Runway 26L at ATL and at the same time instructed to turn right to 310 at the middle marker. At the marker; which is very shortly after takeoff; the crew is unsure of the turn and delays slightly eliciting a query from the Controller and a further turn to 340.