Definition
The route an airplane flies from the start of the takeoff roll through the initial climb, including the ground roll, liftoff point, and the climb track until the airplane reaches a safe maneuvering altitude or joins its planned course.
Plain English
The path the airplane actually takes from the moment it starts rolling down the runway, into the air, and on through the first part of the climb.
Context Anchor
Used during pre-takeoff planning and the before-takeoff check, when the pilot looks ahead and thinks through what the airplane will do after liftoff.
Derivation
Departure' comes from the Old French 'departir,' meaning 'to go away' or 'to leave.' In aviation it refers specifically to the leaving phase — getting airborne and away from the airport. 'Path' is simply the route traveled. Together: the route taken while leaving.
Why Pilots Care
Following the correct departure path ensures obstacle clearance, noise compliance, and safe transition to the enroute environment.
Grounding Statement
Before adding power for takeoff, the pilot should be able to picture the airplane’s first few minutes in the air.
Intuition Check
Do not think of departure path as only a line on a chart. In this context, it also means the real space the airplane will fly through right after takeoff.
Example Sentence 1
Before takeoff, the pilot reviewed the departure path to confirm the airplane would clear the rising terrain north of the airport.
Example Sentence 2
After liftoff the aircraft turned slightly to follow the published departure path as instructed by the tower.