Definition
A runway safety event in which a pilot lines up and begins a takeoff from a runway, taxiway, or other surface that was not the one assigned by air traffic control or intended for departure. It includes departing from the wrong runway, the wrong intersection of the correct runway, or attempting to take off from a taxiway.
Plain English
Taking off from the wrong place — a different runway than the one you were cleared for, the wrong point on the right runway, or a taxiway by mistake.
Context Anchor
Seen during before-takeoff checks, takeoff briefings, and runway verification at airports with multiple runways, taxiways, or confusing signs and markings.
Why Pilots Care
These events create runway incursions and raise the risk of collision with other aircraft or vehicles on the airport surface.
Intuition Check
Do not read “surface” as just the pavement under the airplane. In this term, “surface” means the specific airport area used or not used for takeoff, such as a runway or taxiway.
Example Sentence 1
The crew confirmed the runway heading on the heading indicator before adding power, a habit that helps prevent a wrong surface departure.
Example Sentence 2
The tower issued a warning after the aircraft began its roll on the parallel taxiway, preventing a wrong surface departure.