What is the altitude maintained on the Rusty departure from 31R until clear of the pattern?

The correct answer reflects the standard altitude that pilots maintain on the Rusty departure procedure after takeoff from runway 31R. Specifically, maintaining an altitude of 500 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) allows for safe vertical separation from other traffic and ensures compliance with the procedure until the aircraft is effectively clear of the airport pattern. This initial altitude is essential for ensuring that departures avoid conflicting with other aircraft within the immediate vicinity, particularly in busy airspace. Once clear of the pattern, pilots can then proceed to climb to higher altitudes as specified in subsequent procedure steps or air traffic control instructions.

Choices indicating higher altitudes, such as 1000', 1500', or 2000' MSL, would typically be applicable in different phases of departure or in certain controlled airspace but do not apply to the initial altitude during the Rusty departure procedure, which is specifically designated to be at 500' MSL.