What is one of the basic rules all IFR departures must follow?

Delaying all turns until at least 400 feet above the runway end elevation is a fundamental guideline that ensures safe and effective instrument departures. This practice is rooted in safety protocols which aim to maintain obstacle clearance and provide pilots with adequate altitude and airspace to manage the aircraft during the initial phases of flight. By adhering to this rule, pilots can avoid potential conflicts with terrain and obstacles in the vicinity of the airport, allowing for a safer climb out and establishing a proper climb profile before executing any turns.

This approach also allows for a stabilized ascent during the critical moments right after takeoff, where pilot workload is high and situational awareness is crucial. By waiting until reaching this altitude, pilots can ensure that their aircraft is at a more manageable altitude, reducing the risk of incidents related to turns being initiated too early.

The other options proposed do not align with the standard procedures established for IFR departures. For instance, there are specific minimum climb gradients that must be achieved; however, they are not universally set to 150 feet per nautical mile. Additionally, delaying turns until reaching 800 feet AGL is not a standard IFR requirement, as it may vary depending on the specific airport and associated departure procedures. The last option, which suggests climbing quickly to ignore published gradients