Medium Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Workload; Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Airspace Structure; Human Factors; Procedure
On departure out of BUR we were initially flying the VNY 1 departure from RWY 15 via FMS NAV. We began the climbing right turn HDG 210 when I checked in with SoCal departure and I thought I advised the controller that we were flying the VNY 1 climbing to 4;000 ft. Then ATC advised fly heading 310 so I thought. My FO went to heading mode and dialed in what we thought was our new heading of 310. So while we continued our right turn ATC asked why we are heading north when we should be on a heading vector of 210. I was confused by his query because I thought I was doing as instructed. I had mistaken his initial instruction to fly heading 210 instead my FO flew HDG 310. My FO and [I] thought we were doing what was instructed. Then we were given another HDG which I honestly don't remember which I believe was further north. Then finally a HDG of 360 was given and we complied and then notified of a possible pilot deviation.Discuss more thoroughly the departure with the PF and possible scenarios that could be expected. Then if anything is outside of what is expected then query ATC for clarification and confirm with the PF that the instruction that was heard was the same. Then if still understood incorrectly query ATC again.
Pay closer attention to instructions and be more assertive.
An air carrier crew departed BUR on the VNY 1 but were given a vector by SCT which they misunderstood; were given a second misunderstood vector; and finally got the correct heading.