Whether I am doing an FAA Instrument Checkride, or a jet proficiency check, I see pilots struggle with Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) and Obstacle Departure Procedures (ODPs). The standard instrument departure is based on a minimum climb gradient of 200 feet per nautical mile (NM). However, when a SID or an ODP shows a minimum climb gradient of, say, 310 feet per NM, I ask the student if that is higher or lower than the standard climb gradient. I have been dismayed that nearly half of the responses are wrong. So, I thought we should take a closer look at this topic. This subject gets even more confusing when we discuss One Engine Inoperative (OEI) or engine out procedures.     WINGS/AMT credit available!    To receive WINGS/AMT credit fill out attendance sheet available at the Forum entrance.