How to Fly a Proper RNAV Departure from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport
The departure procedures out of Charlotte are surprisingly complicated, given the parallel runway layout. With a high traffic frequency, it is critical that ATC and aircraft coordinate properly to ensure a safe and realistic departure airspace around the airport.
The most important thing to remember - Accelerate to 250kts immediately after rotation and maintain until crossing FL100. At FL100, accelerate to 280kts until leaving the Class Bravo or assigned otherwise by ATC.
Also, DO NOT USE RUNWAY 5/23 UNLESS ASSIGNED BY ATC! Typically, the runway is closed and used as a taxiway.
Be sure to look at the following FAA D-ATIS for up-to-date information regarding runway usage: KCLT - Digital ATIS (clowd.io)
North Flow Departures
NOTE: The headings shown above are the proper headings, just in true north. Red represents the runways, and blue represents the departure path; dotted lines represent the radar vectors imposed by ATC which should lead into the first fix.
Immediately after rotation, set the HDG (Heading) to 003. Keep close tabs on the V/S and Altimeter. The moment the altitude reaches 1260, turn to the following headings:
Runway 36L (not typically used for departures): 315
Runway 36C: 330
Runway 36R: 025
Expect vectors at any time. IMPORTANT: ATC may assign a different heading upon departure; be sure to follow the heading and ignore the procedures above if given a heading!
South Flow Departures
NOTE: Red represents the runways, and blue represents the departure path; dotted lines represent the radar vectors imposed by ATC which should lead into the first fix.
Immediately after rotation, set the HDG (heading) to 183. Keep the heading on 183 until given another heading. Maintain a constant V/S during the procedure.
SPECIAL CASE: If departing from Runway 18R (which is not typically used for departures), turn to heading 200 when the altitude reaches 1260 and expect vectors.
NOTE: Chart shows only RNAV SIDs.
| SID Name | Named After | Serves | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAVY5 | Unknown | Cancun, Savannah, Southwest Florida | Use Runway 18L/36R. |
| ICONS4 | Unknown | Miami, Orlando, Havana | Use Runway 18L/36R |
| KWEEN4 | Charlotte is known as the Queen City. | Bermuda, Charleston (SC), San Juan | Use Runway 18L/36R. |
| LILLS2 | Unknown | Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, Bermuda (Some Flights) | Use Runway 18L/36R. |
| BARMY4 | Unknown | Norfolk, Europe, New York Satellite Area | Use Runway 18L/36R. |
| KILNS4 | Unknown | Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. | Use Runway 18L/36R |
| KRITR5 | ‘Critter’ | Pittsburgh, Toronto | Use Runway 18C/36C. |
| WEAZL4 | ‘Weasel’ | Detroit, Cleveland, Charleston - Yeager | Use Runway 18C/36C. |
| JOJJO4 | Unknown | Chicago, Seattle, Cincinnati | NOONN transition is ATC assigned only, do not use. Use Runway 18C/36C. |
| BOBZY4 | Unknown | Atlanta, San Francisco, Denver | Use Runway 18C/36C. |
| ESTRR4 | Unknown | Los Angeles, Dallas-Ft. Worth, New Orleans | Use Runway 18C/36C. |
You can expect either vectors or a ‘proceed on course’ (direct to) to your first RNAV SID waypoint (LACHN, LAMDE, HMMPY, etc.). If given a ‘proceed on course’, turn in the direction of the waypoint, regardless of your location. DO NOT FLY OVER THE AIRPORT! For Example: If flying on heading 330 (after departing Runway 36C) and given ‘proceed on course’, and your first waypoint is LAMDE, make a right turn direct to LAMDE; do not loop over the airport or over the landing traffic.
If ATC is not present, fly the departure procedure as stated above and turn direct to your first waypoint after crossing the first ring of the Class Bravo. Climb and follow the speed restrictions until leaving the Class Bravo.
Thank you for reading this guide and be sure to use this anytime you fly out of KCLT!
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