Definition
The first waypoint in a GPS approach sequence, located at the missed approach point. It marks the beginning of the missed approach routing if the approach cannot be completed.
Plain English
The waypoint where the missed approach starts. If you can't land, this is the point you fly from to begin the climb-out and follow the published missed approach route.
Context Anchor
Seen in GPS instrument approach discussions, especially when describing how the navigator builds each leg from one waypoint to the next.
Derivation
Called the 'departure' waypoint because it is where the aircraft departs the approach and begins the missed approach. The name describes its role, not a departure from an airport.
Why Pilots Care
Selecting or confirming the correct departure waypoint ensures the GPS sequences properly into the en route phase without creating a navigation discontinuity or requiring manual intervention.
Intuition Check
Do not read departure WP as an airport takeoff point. Here, departure means the starting waypoint of the current GPS leg.
Example Sentence 1
After the GPS sequenced past the departure WP, the pilot began the published missed approach climb.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot verified the departure WP altitude constraint before pressing the direct-to button.