R.I.P. RUUDY
The WENTZ ONE is a Standard Instrument Departure (SID) for aircraft departing Runway 24 at Teterboro Airport (KTEB). It was implemented in August 2024, replacing the often-problematic RUUDY SIX departure. The primary goal of the WENTZ ONE is to simplify the departure procedure and reduce the high number of pilot deviations associated with its predecessor, particularly concerning altitude restrictions and interactions with Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) traffic.
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects and benefits of the WENTZ ONE RNAV SID:
Procedure Overview:
- Initial Climb: Upon takeoff from Runway 24, pilots climb on a heading of 240 degrees to 520 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL).
- First Fix: From 520 feet, the procedure directs a direct track to the DAVIM waypoint.
- Second Leg: After DAVIM, aircraft proceed on a track of 262 degrees to the WENTZ waypoint.
- Altitude Restriction at WENTZ: This is a crucial element of the WENTZ ONE. Aircraft must cross the WENTZ waypoint at 1500 feet MSL and maintain this altitude until explicitly cleared to climb further by Air Traffic Control (ATC). This is a significant change from the RUUDY SIX, which had a “cross at” restriction and a higher top altitude published on the chart.
- Subsequent Routing: After WENTZ, the procedure outlines a track of 283 degrees towards the RUUDY VORTAC. However, the expectation is that pilots will receive radar vectors from ATC to their enroute fix or airway shortly after WENTZ.
- Top Altitude: The published top altitude for the WENTZ ONE departure is 1500 feet MSL. Pilots will not climb above this altitude until ATC provides further instructions. This simplified vertical profile is a key difference from the RUUDY SIX. (Note: When Newark 22L and 22R are active, there is traffic crossing TEB as far out as Wentz intersection at 2500′ MSL.)
- No Left Turns: The WENTZ ONE procedure explicitly states that no left-hand turnouts are authorized. This is critical to avoid potential conflicts with arriving traffic at Newark (EWR).
Key Improvements and Benefits Compared to RUUDY SIX:
- Simplified Vertical Profile: The WENTZ ONE features a single top altitude of 1500 feet at WENTZ, eliminating the step climb and the ambiguity that often led to altitude deviations with the RUUDY SIX. Pilots now have a clearer instruction to level off at 1500 feet and wait for ATC clearance to climb higher.
- Reduced Ambiguity: The “maintain 1500” instruction at WENTZ is designed to be less open to misinterpretation than the altitude instructions on the RUUDY SIX chart.
- Enhanced Safety: By simplifying the altitude restrictions and emphasizing no left turns, the WENTZ ONE aims to improve safety and reduce the risk of conflicts with other air traffic, particularly arrivals into EWR.
- Lower Susceptibility to Error: The clearer and less complex procedure is intended to lower the likelihood of pilots making mistakes during the departure.
- RNAV Precision: As an RNAV SID, the WENTZ ONE relies on GPS or DME/DME/IRU for navigation, offering more precise lateral guidance compared to older procedures.
Important Considerations for Pilots:
- Level Off at 1500 Feet: Strict adherence to the 1500-foot altitude at WENTZ until ATC clearance is received is paramount. Do not continue climbing without ATC authorization.
- No Left Turns: Be vigilant and ensure no left turns are made during the departure procedure.
- Expect Vectors: Be prepared to receive radar vectors from ATC shortly after crossing the WENTZ waypoint.
- Pre-flight Briefing: Thoroughly review the WENTZ ONE chart and understand all altitude and routing instructions before departure.
- ATC Communication: Maintain clear and concise communication with ATC throughout the departure.
- FMS Programming: Ensure the flight management system (FMS) is correctly programmed with the WENTZ ONE procedure.
In summary, the WENTZ ONE RNAV SID represents a significant improvement over the RUUDY SIX departure from Teterboro’s Runway 24. Its simplified vertical profile, clear altitude restrictions at WENTZ, and emphasis on no left turns are designed to enhance safety, reduce pilot deviations, and streamline departures from this busy airport while ensuring proper separation from neighboring airspace. Pilots operating from TEB Runway 24 should be thoroughly familiar with the WENTZ ONE procedure and adhere to its requirements.
