Define V1, Vr, and V2. What do these speeds represent and when are they critical?

• A. V1 is the braking speed
• B. Vr is the maximum flight speed
• C. V2 is the safe takeoff speed after V1 where the aircraft can climb on one engine
• D. V1 is recovery speed during landing

Answer: (C)

These speeds define the takeoff performance envelope and when the airplane must meet different climb or abort criteria. V1 is the decision speed: it’s the highest speed at which a pilot can decide to abort the takeoff and still have enough runway to stop safely. If an engine fails before reaching V1, stopping is feasible; if the failure occurs after V1, the takeoff is continued because there isn’t enough runway to stop safely.

Vr is the rotation speed: the speed at which the pilot applies backpressure to rotate the aircraft from the runway and lift off. It marks the transition from ground roll to becoming airborne, after which the airplane climbs rather than accelerates along the runway.

V2 is the takeoff safety speed: the minimum speed at which the aircraft can continue to takeoff and maintain a safe climb on one engine after liftoff, ensuring obstacle clearance and a positive climb gradient. This is why V2 is described as the safe takeoff speed after V1.

So the speeds describe when you commit to takeoff, when you rotate, and the speed at which you’re guaranteed the ability to climb on one engine.