Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What is indicated by the notation Vr during a flight?

1. Best angle of climb speed

2. Rotation speed

3. Stalling speed in landing configuration

4. Maximum speed during takeoff

The correct answer is: Rotation speed

The notation Vr stands for rotation speed, which is a critical phase in the takeoff process of an aircraft. This is the speed at which the pilot pulls back on the control yoke or stick to lift the aircraft's nose off the ground. Achieving this speed is essential for ensuring that the aircraft has enough aerodynamic lift to become airborne safely. It's important to note that Vr can vary based on several factors including weight, balance, and environmental conditions, and is designated for each specific aircraft type as part of its performance parameters. Knowing the correct Vr allows pilots to ensure that they are at the appropriate speed to initiate takeoff safely and effectively. In contrast, other options relate to different aspects of flight performance. For example, the best angle of climb speed is a different value that optimizes altitude gain over distance, while stalling speed in landing configuration refers to the minimum speed at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight when landing. Maximum speed during takeoff does not have a specific correlation to Vr and is typically referring to a different operational limit.