V1 is the critical engine failure recognition speed or takeoff decision speed. It is the speed above which the takeoff will continue even if
an engine fails or another problem occurs, such as a blown tire.
[9] The speed will vary among aircraft types and varies according to factors such as aircraft weight, runway length,
wing flap setting, engine thrust used and runway surface contamination; thus, it must be determined by the pilot before takeoff.
Aborting a takeoff after V1 is strongly discouraged because the aircraft may not be able to stop before the end of the runway, thus suffering a
runway overrun.
[50]
V1 is defined differently in different jurisdictions, and definitions change over time as aircraft regulations are amended.
- The US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency define it as: "the maximum speed in the takeoff at which the pilot must take the first action (e.g., apply brakes, reduce thrust, deploy speed brakes) to stop the airplane within the accelerate-stop distance. V1 also means the minimum speed in the takeoff, following a failure of the critical engine at VEF, at which the pilot can continue the takeoff and achieve the required height above the takeoff surface within the takeoff distance."[7] V1 thus includes reaction time.[26] In addition to this reaction time, a safety margin equivalent to 2 seconds at V1 is added to the accelerate-stop distance.[51][52]
- Transport Canada defines it as: "Critical engine failure recognition speed" and adds: "This definition is not restrictive. An operator may adopt any other definition outlined in the aircraft flight manual (AFM) of TC type-approved aircraft as long as such definition does not compromise operational safety of the aircraft."[8]