Definition
The radar-equipped ATC facility responsible for separating and sequencing IFR aircraft after takeoff, from the moment the tower hands them off until they are handed off to the en route center (ARTCC). Departure Control is a function of the Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) serving the airport.
Plain English
The controller who takes over from the tower right after you take off and guides you on radar until you're high enough and far enough out to be handed to the next controller.
Context Anchor
Seen on departure procedure charts and in clearance information, usually with a radio frequency for the pilot to contact after takeoff.
Why Pilots Care
Maintains safe separation from other traffic and terrain during the busiest and most critical phase of flight.
Intuition Check
DEP CON is not the departure procedure itself. It is the Departure Control contact or facility that handles the aircraft after takeoff.
Example Sentence 1
After liftoff, the tower instructed us to contact DEP CON on 124.35.
Example Sentence 2
DEP CON gave us a heading and climb to 5,000 before handing us off to center.