At what altitude should you delay turns during climbout?

Delaying turns during climbout is a critical procedure to ensure the safety and effectiveness of an aircraft's ascent, particularly in alignment with obstacle clearance and airspace considerations. The correct altitude of 400 feet above the Touchdown Zone Elevation (TDZE) is chosen based on regulations and best practices aimed at maximizing vertical separation from obstacles while providing adequate climb performance.

At this altitude, the aircraft is typically at a safe altitude where it can clear any potential obstacles in the immediate vicinity of the runway. This is particularly important as the aircraft transitions from a lower altitude, where terrain and other factors pose a more significant risk, to higher altitudes where airspace and obstacle separation becomes more manageable.

Other options do not meet the required safety margin for the climb phase. For instance, turning at lower altitudes like 100 or 200 feet AGL does not provide sufficient clearance from obstacles that may be present nearby. Similarly, 800 feet above sea level can be misleading as it may not account for local terrain variations or airport elevation specifics, leading to possible conflicts with surrounding airspace or obstacles. Therefore, 400 feet above the TDZE aligns with safety standards and operational procedures to help ensure a safe climbout.