Narrative:

We picked up IFR clearance from memphis center from syi shelbyville. The route clearance was cleared as filed. There is an IFR departure procedure which states runway 18; climb heading 180 degree to 1;600 before turning left. I had planned on this departure but on the takeoff roll and past V1 we heard position report on aircraft that was shooting the approach to runway 18. Since we were in VFR conditions instead of turning left which would have resulted in a left turn to a heading of 342. This would have put us in the path of the aircraft on final approach for runway 18. Again I reiterate that I elected a right turn to avoid possible flight conflict and wanted to stay clear and not have a mid air collision. After we made a right turn we were clear of traffic and no near miss situation occurred. We checked in with memphis center and established radio contact. They responded by asking did you make a right turn or left turn? My copilot paused and then said right turn. They said ok and I got on the radio and stated that we made a right turn for traffic that was on the VOR 18 approach. They said ok. I highly recommend that a procedure be established that the ATC agency issuing a takeoff clearance state if they expect the flight crew to follow an airport obstacle departure procedure then to state it. I was aware of this procedure but if an unfamiliar pilot would not receive this exact assigned clearance then the outcome could be detrimental if in mountainous terrain. On my particular flight I elected to deviate in the essence of safety and since I was in clear VFR conditions I knew that I could see and avoid all obstacles to stay clear of conflicting traffic.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A Corporate Jet Captain departed SYI and on departure turned right instead of left as the procedure required because inbound traffic would have been in conflict.

Narrative: We picked up IFR clearance from Memphis Center from SYI Shelbyville. The route clearance was cleared as filed. There is an IFR departure procedure which states Runway 18; climb heading 180 degree to 1;600 before turning left. I had planned on this departure but on the Takeoff roll and past V1 we heard position report on aircraft that was shooting the approach to Runway 18. Since we were in VFR conditions instead of turning left which would have resulted in a left turn to a heading of 342. This would have put us in the path of the aircraft on final approach for Runway 18. Again I reiterate that I elected a right turn to avoid possible flight conflict and wanted to stay clear and not have a mid air collision. After we made a right turn we were clear of traffic and no near miss situation occurred. We checked in with Memphis Center and established radio contact. They responded by asking did you make a right turn or left turn? My copilot paused and then said right turn. They said ok and I got on the radio and stated that we made a right turn for traffic that was on the VOR 18 approach. They said ok. I highly recommend that a procedure be established that the ATC agency issuing a takeoff clearance state if they expect the flight crew to follow an airport obstacle departure procedure then to state it. I was aware of this procedure but if an unfamiliar pilot would not receive this exact assigned clearance then the outcome could be detrimental if in Mountainous Terrain. On my particular flight I elected to deviate in the essence of safety and since I was in clear VFR conditions I knew that I could see and avoid all obstacles to stay clear of conflicting traffic.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 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.