Narrative:

I was holding short of runway 12R at cps trying to receive an IFR ATC clearance to pof. The frequency used was first 123.7 and then 121.8; which was the final frequency that I was able to contact the controller on. Received a clearance in the usual format with a void time and at the end of the clearance the controller said to 'follow the standard departure procedure.' my interpretation through the controller's language meant that 'follow the standard departure procedure' meant a SID was being assigned. Being cautious of this wording added to the end of my clearance; I asked him what SID of the seven listed for my airport as an option is he exactly implying. The controller was being rather hostile with me over the radio and saying everything but trying to clarify what he meant by 'follow the standard departure procedure.' I listed the names of the different SID's out of my airport and asking him which one he would like me to execute. He tried to imply that I did not even have the appropriate charts on board that listed his procedure and I told him that information was incorrect and that I need to know what the name of the departure was. His supervisor came on the radio thereafter and clarified matters quickly. The procedure being requested is called an 'obstacle departure procedure' not a SID. Which was climb on heading 122 degrees to 1;000 feet before turning left. I explained that I was not going to depart without fully understanding my clearance. Clearly there was a miscommunication between the initial controller and myself.

Google
 

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: IFR departure from CPS experienced communication confusion with ATC on departure procedure phraseology; a SID or obstacle clearance procedures and/or both.

Narrative: I was holding short of Runway 12R at CPS trying to receive an IFR ATC clearance to POF. The frequency used was first 123.7 and then 121.8; which was the final frequency that I was able to contact the Controller on. Received a clearance in the usual format with a void time and at the end of the clearance the Controller said to 'follow the standard departure procedure.' My interpretation through the controller's language meant that 'follow the standard departure procedure' meant a SID was being assigned. Being cautious of this wording added to the end of my clearance; I asked him what SID of the seven listed for my airport as an option is he exactly implying. The Controller was being rather hostile with me over the radio and saying everything but trying to clarify what he meant by 'follow the standard departure procedure.' I listed the names of the different SID's out of my airport and asking him which one he would like me to execute. He tried to imply that I did not even have the appropriate charts on board that listed his procedure and I told him that information was incorrect and that I need to know what the name of the departure was. His Supervisor came on the radio thereafter and clarified matters quickly. The procedure being requested is called an 'Obstacle Departure Procedure' not a SID. Which was climb on heading 122 degrees to 1;000 feet before turning left. I explained that I was not going to depart without fully understanding my clearance. Clearly there was a miscommunication between the initial Controller and myself.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.