An air carrier pilot briefed the complex RDM engine out procedure but failed to brief a normal departure. After takeoff; the crew failed to turn and could not find the transponder identification button to positively identify themselves.
Synopsis
An air carrier pilot briefed the complex RDM engine out procedure but failed to brief a normal departure. After takeoff; the crew failed to turn and could not find the transponder identification button to positively identify themselves.
Narrative
I was the Captain of a flight from RDM to ZZZ. During the pre-departure briefing; I discussed at length the rather convoluted special engine-out procedure for Runway 22. Somehow; we failed to clearly discuss the 'normal' takeoff procedure; which was from the ATC clearance to turn directly to the DSD VOR; then on course. I was Pilot Flying and mistakenly assumed we were to fly runway heading. We did not make the immediate right turn to DSD; and adding to the confusion was ATC asking for an ID. As our cockpit equipment are all very nonstandard from one to another aircraft; it took a few seconds to hunt for the ID button on the transponder; while we should have been making the turn. We were asked by ATC to 'say position.' Before I could react; my First Officer reported over 'DSD;' when in fact we were approximately 5 NM south-southwest of the station. Then; when radar contact was established; ATC was understandably confused at our non compliance and erroneous position reporting. I was given a phone number to contact after landing; which I did; and discussed what happened and how to avoid non compliance in mountainous terrain in the future. I am reminded to ensure and require complete preflight briefings from my First Officers and the importance of maintaining vigilance in an especially diverse fleet of aircraft.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.