To depart is to enter an uncontrolled flight regime, such as a spin or a deep stall, where normal control inputs no longer dictate the aircraft's motion. Pilots use this term to describe the moment an airframe exceeds its aerodynamic limits and violently breaks away from commanded flight. It requires immediate and specific recovery procedures to regain lift and control.
Heard on the job
He pulled too hard at the top of the loop and the jet departed, snapping into a flat spin.
Insider tip
The full phrase is 'depart controlled flight', but test pilots and fighter crews almost always just say the jet 'departed'.
Also heard as
- depart controlled flight