Definition
The far end of a runway, opposite the threshold used for takeoff. It is the point at which an aircraft, having used the runway for departure, leaves the paved surface and becomes airborne or transitions to the climb segment of the flight.
Plain English
The end of the runway you lift off from — the point where the runway pavement runs out as you take off.
Context Anchor
Seen in takeoff planning, departure procedures, and obstacle-clearance discussions.
Why Pilots Care
Determines the length of runway available for takeoff and the point beyond which obstacle clearance must be assured.
Intuition Check
Do not assume this means the place where the airplane lifts off. It means the fixed far end of the runway available for the takeoff roll.
Example Sentence 1
The departure procedure required a climb gradient of 250 feet per nautical mile to 3,000 feet, measured from the departure end of runway.
Example Sentence 2
Runway 09's departure end features threshold lights that mark the end of the paved surface.