Citation Excel (C560XL)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 14000; Flight Crew Type 45
Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Situational Awareness
Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure
Due to rest requirements; I arrived at the aircraft an hour after the PIC. When I arrived at the aircraft; the PIC had already obtained the clearance and loaded the flight plan into the navigation unit. The PIC briefed that the clearance was 'radar vectors' to GAYEL flight plan route. I asked if we were cleared via the initial climb portion of the SID. No; radar vectors.Shortly after takeoff; checked in with departure control. Then shortly after checking in; departure controller said that it looked like we were not on the SID. The SID called for a turn to 295 at 1;000. I replied that we were on radar vectors. The controller gave us a turn to 285; then a heading to GAYLE. I believe we should have done the initial climb portion of the SID; then expected radar vectors to GAYLE; but not hearing the clearance; I took the word of the PIC.
First Officer reported that they flew the departure via radar vectors to a fix. ATC questioned them why they were not flying the SID. Controller then gave them a turn to join the SID. First Officer took the word of the pilot in command.