Definition
The end of the runway from which an aircraft lifts off during takeoff. It is the far end of the runway as viewed from the takeoff position, opposite the approach end where landing aircraft touch down.
Plain English
The end of the runway you are heading toward as you take off — the end you leave behind once airborne.
Context Anchor
Seen in standard airport traffic pattern descriptions, takeoff briefings, and instructions such as turning after passing the departure end.
Derivation
Departure comes from a word meaning “to leave.” In aviation, it points to the direction the airplane leaves the runway and airport area after takeoff.
Why Pilots Care
It identifies the exact point on the runway where a pilot begins the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “departure end” means one fixed end of the airport. It means the far end of the runway for the takeoff direction being used.
Example Sentence 1
After lift-off, the pilot continued straight ahead until passing the departure end of the runway before beginning the crosswind turn.
Example Sentence 2
When taking off to the east on runway 27, the departure end lies at the eastern edge of the pavement.