Definition
The far end of the runway in the direction of takeoff — the end the airplane is heading toward as it accelerates and lifts off. Often abbreviated DER in FAA publications.
Plain English
The end of the runway you are aiming at when you take off. The opposite end from where you started your roll.
Context Anchor
You will see this term in takeoff, climb, and obstacle-clearance discussions, especially when deciding whether the airplane will be high enough after leaving the runway.
Derivation
Departure comes from the idea of leaving a place. In this term, it points to the end of the runway in the direction the airplane is leaving, which helps separate it from the starting end of the takeoff.
Why Pilots Care
Climb gradients and obstacle clearance requirements are measured from this point, directly affecting safe departure planning.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the departure end is where the takeoff begins. It means the far end ahead of you in the direction you are taking off.
Example Sentence 1
The obstacle was charted 300 ft above the departure end of the runway, so the pilot calculated a climb gradient that would clear it safely.
Example Sentence 2
Any obstacles past the departure end of the runway are factored into takeoff planning.