What do V1, VR, and V2 indicate in takeoff performance?

• A. V1 is the decision speed for abort vs continue; VR is rotation speed; V2 is takeoff safety speed for the initial climb.
• B. V1 is landing speed; VR is vertical rate; V2 is final approach speed.
• C. V1 is cruise speed; VR is taxi speed; V2 is approach speed.
• D. V1 is minimum controllable speed; VR is maximum speed; V2 is stall speed.

Answer: (A)

V1, VR, and V2 are the three key takeoff speeds that define how a jet handles the start of the flight. They are all about safe decision points and the sequence of a normal takeoff.

V1 is the decision speed. It marks the point at which you must decide whether to abort the takeoff or continue if an engine- or system-related issue occurs. If you’re at or below V1, you should be able to stop on the runway with the remaining runway length; once you’re past V1, there isn’t enough runway to stop safely, so you continue the takeoff.

VR is rotation speed. This is the speed at which the pilot begins to pitch up to lift off. Reaching VR signals the transition from ground roll to the takeoff climb, and the rotation must be coordinated to achieve the proper liftoff attitude.

V2 is the takeoff safety speed for the initial climb. It’s the minimum speed you must maintain after takeoff, especially with one engine inoperative, to guarantee adequate climb performance and obstacle clearance during the initial climb phase.

These speeds are defined for takeoff configuration and are sequenced in practice as V1 (abort/continue decision), VR (lift-off rotation), and V2 (safe initial-climb speed). Other options describe speeds used for landing, cruise, taxi, or stall-related limits, which aren’t the takeoff-speed roles described here.