Crew Transgresses Speed Limit by 50 Knots Above Regulations on Standard Instrument Departure (SID) due to Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Chart Location Error

In a recent NASA ASRS report, a Boeing 737 crew was found to have exceeded a 250-knot speed restriction out of LAX during a Standard Instrument Departure (SID). This incident underscores the importance of adhering to speed restrictions during SIDs to ensure safe and efficient air traffic management.

SIDs can be grouped into three types: radar vector SIDs, pilot navigated SIDs, and RNAV SIDs. Regardless of the type, pilots must comply with any published speed restrictions on the SID, even if they are not given a "climb via" or "cleared via" the SID instruction.

To prevent inadvertent speed violations, pilots are advised to follow best practices such as thorough pre-flight planning, continuous monitoring of airspeed and altitude, maintaining clear communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC), and adherence to published procedures and regulations.

Thorough Pre-Flight Planning involves carefully reviewing the SID chart and noting all published speed restrictions and altitude constraints before departure. Using Flight Management Systems (FMS) and automation can help manage speeds and altitudes precisely according to the SID profile, reducing pilot workload and enhancing compliance.

Continuous Monitoring of Airspeed and Altitude is crucial during climb to ensure speeds remain within required limits. Adjusting thrust and pitch as necessary is essential to maintain compliance.

Maintaining clear and timely communication with ATC allows pilots to receive updated instructions or clarifications regarding speed restrictions and helps manage airspace safely without exceeding limits.

Adherence to Published Procedures and Regulations, such as those outlined in the TERPS (Terminal Instrument Procedures) standards, ensures pilots comply with established speed and altitude requirements during departures.

Regular training on SID procedures and the implications of speed restrictions improves pilot proficiency and situational awareness. Onboard Performance Monitoring Tools, while primarily for takeoff performance, can alert crews if performance parameters, including speed adherence, are not being met.

Situational Awareness and Workload Management are key during departures, especially in busy or complex environments, to maintain compliance with all SID restrictions.

The crew in the NASA report allowed the aircraft to accelerate to climb speed at 10,000 ft instead of adhering to the 250-knot restriction. This mistake was due to the crew zooming in too much on a chart, obscuring important information such as speed restrictions.

Controllers need pilots to maintain speed restrictions for aircraft separation. Controllers may question if an airplane has exceeded a speed restriction if it deviates from the expected ground speed on their radar scope. Controllers can ask a pilot to slow down, speed up, or remind them of a speed restriction if they suspect a violation.

ATC has the authority to file a pilot deviation report if a speed restriction is broken. In the event of a speed violation, pilots should promptly respond to ATC instructions to avoid further complications.

It's important to keep the chart zoomed out or in just enough to view all relevant crossing restrictions. Using the highlighter tool on an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) can help pilots remember restrictions that apply to them.

Departure procedures are only flown by aircraft on an IFR flight plan, even if the weather is clear. Departure procedures are commonly found in major terminal areas like Denver or Houston. This type of mistake can happen to any crew, emphasizing the importance of careful chart management.

Controllers can't see a pilot's indicated airspeed, but they still have a general idea based on winds. Boldmethod offers an Instrument Procedures course to help pilots improve their skills and knowledge in instrument flying.

In conclusion, adhering to speed restrictions during SIDs is essential for safe and efficient air traffic management. Pilots are advised to follow best practices such as thorough pre-flight planning, continuous monitoring of airspeed and altitude, maintaining clear communication with ATC, and adherence to published procedures and regulations to ensure compliance.

In the reported incident by NASA ASRS, the Boeing 737 crew exceeded a 250-knot speed restriction during a Standard Instrument Departure (SID) from LAX, emphasizing the importance of adhering to speed restrictions.
SIDs are categorized into radar vector SIDs, pilot navigated SIDs, and RNAV SIDs, and pilots must comply with any published speed restrictions, even if "climb via" or "cleared via" the SID instruction isn't provided.
To prevent unintentional speed violations, pilots should follow best practices including thorough pre-flight planning, continuous monitoring of airspeed and altitude, maintaining clear communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC), and adherence to published procedures and regulations.
Thorough Pre-Flight Planning involves reviewing the SID chart and noting all published speed restrictions and altitude constraints before departure, and using Flight Management Systems (FMS) can help manage speeds and altitudes accurately.
Continuous Monitoring of Airspeed and Altitude is vital during the climb to ensure speeds remain within the required limits, and adjusting thrust and pitch as necessary ensures compliance.
Clear and timely communication with ATC allows pilots to receive updated instructions or clarifications regarding speed restrictions, helping manage airspace without exceeding limits.
Adherence to Published Procedures and Regulations, such as those outlined in the TERPS (Terminal Instrument Procedures) standards, ensures pilots comply with established speed and altitude requirements during departures.
Regular training on SID procedures and the implications of speed restrictions improves pilot proficiency and situational awareness, and Onboard Performance Monitoring Tools can alert crews if performance parameters, including speed adherence, are not being met.
Developing Situational Awareness and Workload Management is key during departures, especially in complex environments, to maintain compliance with all SID restrictions, and pilots should keep the chart zoomed out or in just enough to view all relevant crossing restrictions.

Crew Transgresses Speed Limit by 50 Knots Above Regulations on Standard Instrument Departure (SID) due to Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Chart Location Error