This glossary is written for virtual airline and flight simulation use within Virtual Air Canada Airline. It is not intended as a real-world aviation reference.
VR
Rotation Speed
VR is the speed at which the pilot begins to apply back pressure on the control column or sidestick to raise the nose of the aircraft and initiate lift-off during the take-off roll. At VR, the aircraft has reached sufficient speed for the elevator to generate the required pitching moment to rotate the nose to the take-off attitude. Rotation must be performed smoothly and at the correct rate - typically 2-3 degrees per second - to avoid a tail strike while ensuring the aircraft becomes airborne promptly and climbs away from the runway. VR is always set above V1 and must be high enough so that V2 is achieved by the time the aircraft reaches 35 feet above the runway surface.
VR is determined as part of the take-off performance calculation for each departure, based on the aircraft’s TOW, centre of gravity, flap setting, and the applicable certification requirements. On aircraft with fly-by-wire envelope protection, the system limits the maximum pitch rate achievable to prevent tail contact during rotation. The Pilot Monitoring calls “Rotate” at VR, and the Pilot Flying initiates the rotation input. On transport aircraft, normal rotation results in lift-off 1-3 seconds after VR is called. The rotation speed is marked on the PFD speed tape and the Pilot Monitoring monitors speed and calls deviations throughout the take-off roll.