What does 'maintain runway heading' mean in a departure clearance?

What does 'maintain runway heading' mean in a departure clearance?

• A. Fly a curved path along a SID.
• B. Maintain altitude until further clearance.
• C. Fly a straight line along the runway heading unless otherwise directed.
• D. Turn left immediately after takeoff.

Answer: (C)

Maintain runway heading means fly straight ahead along the runway's magnetic centerline after takeoff and continue on that line until ATC gives you a further instruction. The runway heading is the direction the runway is oriented (for example, a Runway 27 has a heading near 270 degrees). This instruction keeps you on a predictable initial track for obstacle and traffic separation, so you aren’t turning off toward a different path until you’re cleared. You would only depart from that straight line when ATC clears you to turn, join a SID, or vectors you onto your route. The altitude remains as assigned unless you’re given other restrictions.

Maintain runway heading means fly straight ahead along the runway's magnetic centerline after takeoff and continue on that line until ATC gives you a further instruction. The runway heading is the direction the runway is oriented (for example, a Runway 27 has a heading near 270 degrees). This instruction keeps you on a predictable initial track for obstacle and traffic separation, so you aren’t turning off toward a different path until you’re cleared. You would only depart from that straight line when ATC clears you to turn, join a SID, or vectors you onto your route. The altitude remains as assigned unless you’re given other restrictions.