Final answer:
After takeoff in IFR conditions, the pilot must maintain the heading of 290 degrees as instructed by the ATC and should not turn direct to the SZW VOR unless further instructed by ATC after reaching a safe altitude or distance from the airport.
Step-by-step explanation:
When departing IFR from Tallahassee Regional Airport (TLH) in IMC conditions (300' ceiling and 3/4 mile visibility), the air traffic controller has given explicit instructions to fly heading 290 after takeoff.
It is important for pilots to understand that ATC instructions take precedence over the filed flight plan when it comes to headings and altitudes immediately after takeoff, especially in IFR conditions.
The standard operating procedure is to maintain the assigned heading until receiving further instructions. One such instruction might be 'cleared direct to the SZW VOR when able,' which typically occurs after reaching a certain altitude or when the plane is a safe distance from the airport.
In this case, with no specific altitude restriction mentioned for the turning maneuver, the pilot should maintain a heading of 290 degrees until either reaching the assigned altitude of 2000 feet or unless instructed by ATC to proceed direct to SZW VOR at an earlier point.
The initial vectored heading might be for traffic separation, noise abatement reasons, or to establish the aircraft on the initial segment of the departure procedure. Turning direct to a navigation fix (SZW VOR in this instance) before instructed to do so could result in a loss of separation with other aircraft or conflict with terrain or obstacles. It is crucial that pilots adhere to ATC instructions to ensure safety and order within the airspace system.