Terminal Area Departure
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The climb flight profile is determined by both ATC/airspace requirements, and performance characteristics which may be aircraft-specific. When clear of the immediate airport traffic area, the aircraft is accelerated to maximum low altitude climb speed unless a restriction has been issued by ATC. Terminal-area airspace may be very complex and certain standard procedures have been developed for both departing and arriving flights at high-density locations. During climb-out the flight typically conforms to a standard Departure Procedure (DP). As the aircraft climbs through approximately 1500 feet above ground level (AGL), the flight attendants are notified (by a chime) that they may commence their service duties. When 10,000 feet MSL is reached, the aircraft is accelerated to the optimal climb speed. In addition, the flight attendants are again chimed to indicate the end of the sterile cockpit period.