HS 125 Series
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 5400; Flight Crew Type 900
Confusion; Situational Awareness
Deviation - Altitude Crossing Restriction Not Met; Deviation - Altitude Overshoot; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
Human Factors; Airspace Structure; Procedure
Upon departure from TEB we were flying our clearance which was the RUUDY 4 departure from Runway 24. The departure was briefed by both crew members prior to engine start and then reviewed again during taxi out for takeoff. After takeoff we began our climb and were following the course as depicted for the RUUDY 4 SID. Less than 1/2 mile prior to WENTZ we were at 1;500 FT MSL and I continued to the climb to 2;000 FT MSL. Upon reaching 2;000 FT MSL and just as the pilot not flying noticed the altitude and began to query me about it; ATC informed us that the initial altitude for the departure was 1;500 FT and to go ahead and stay at 2;000 FT no problem. We continued the SID with no further deviations. After further review with the pilot not flying we agreed that I had misinterpreted the departure instructions. At the time I believed we were to climb to 2;000 FT MSL as long as we made WENTZ by 1;500 FT MSL. After reviewing it I see where this mistake came from; which was reading and letting my mind see what it wanted to see and not actually what was in print. To prevent this in the future I think a more thorough pre-departure briefing between crew members is imperative and must occur every time even during VMC departures and not on a depicted SID. Although these briefings are a part of our SOP's there is obviously still room for improvement and will definitely be addressed internally in our fight department.
HS125 Captain reports misunderstanding the RUUDY 4 crossing restriction of 1;500 FT at WENTZ; thinking it is at or above; and continues to 2;000 FT. ATC informs the reporter of his error.