Define V1, Vr, and V2 and explain their roles in takeoff performance.

• A. V1 is the decision speed, Vr is the rotation speed, and V2 is the takeoff safety speed; they determine abort decision, rotation, and initial climb safety.
• B. V1 is altitude; Vr is vertical speed; V2 is velocity at 2,000 ft.
• C. V1 is stall speed; Vr is landing speed; V2 is cruise speed.
• D. V1 is takeoff speed; Vr is approach speed; V2 is landing speed.

Answer: (A)

Understanding takeoff performance hinges on three key speeds that shape the profile from brake release to a safe climb. V1 is the decision speed. It marks the point at which you must decide to continue the takeoff or abort. If a problem is detected before reaching V1, an aborted takeoff is feasible within the runway limits; once you pass V1, stopping safely within the remaining runway becomes unlikely, so you’re committed to takeoff.

Vr is the rotation speed. At about Vr you begin to lift the nose to transition from ground roll to the liftoff attitude. Vr is chosen so the aircraft will reach liftoff cleanly at the end of the runway and then continue toward a safe climb, given the aircraft’s weight and configuration.

V2 is the takeoff safety speed. After liftoff, V2 provides the minimum speed needed to guarantee a safe initial climb, including the ability to continue climbing with one engine inoperative while maintaining obstacle clearance and required climb gradient.

These speeds come from the aircraft’s performance data and vary with weight, runway conditions, and environmental factors. They define the takeoff sequence: accelerate to V1, decide to continue or abort, reach Vr to rotate and liftoff, then accelerate to V2 for a safe initial climb.