Departing aircraft that will be vectored immediately after takeoff must have their initial headings assigned when?

• A. Before departure
• B. After takeoff
• C. During taxi
• D. Upon reaching cruise

Answer: (A)

When a departure will be vectored immediately after liftoff, the initial heading must be assigned before departure. Giving the pilot a defined heading prior to takeoff provides a concrete reference the moment the aircraft leaves the runway, allowing an immediate and smooth transition into the assigned vectoring. This ensures positive control and proper separation in the critical climb-out phase, reducing the chance of confusion or conflict with other traffic.

Waiting to assign the heading after takeoff would remove that immediate guidance during the crucial early climb, while assigning it during taxi or waiting until cruising level would be ineffective for a departure that needs to be steered promptly after liftoff.