Definition
The written, step-by-step textual portion of a published Departure Procedure (DP) that tells the pilot exactly what to do after takeoff: which heading to fly, what altitude to climb to, when to turn, which fix or course to intercept, and how to join the en route structure. It accompanies and explains the graphic depiction on the DP chart.
Plain English
It is the words on a departure chart that spell out the flying instructions for getting from the runway up to the en route portion of the flight. The picture on the chart shows the route; this paragraph tells you how to fly it.
Context Anchor
Seen on a departure procedure chart during the preflight or before-takeoff briefing, especially when reviewing how to leave the airport safely in low visibility or under an instrument clearance.
Why Pilots Care
It provides obstacle clearance and traffic separation during the most critical phase of flight while transitioning from visual to instrument navigation.
Intuition Check
Do not treat “description” as a loose summary. In this context, the DEPARTURE ROUTE DESCRIPTION is the published written instruction for the departure path unless air traffic control gives a different clearance.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight, the pilot read the departure route description aloud so both crew members agreed on the initial heading and crossing altitude.
Example Sentence 2
After takeoff the aircraft followed the departure route description to intercept the airway at the specified altitude.