FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Navigation, Air Traffic Control and ProceduresHard
During the takeoff roll of a twin-engine airliner, the crew experiences a sudden engine failure at an indicated speed 5 knots below V1. According to standard takeoff performance procedures, what action should the captain take?
- AReject the takeoff, since the failure occurred before V1 was reached
- BLeave the decision to the first officer based on remaining runway length
- CContinue the takeoff since the aircraft is close to V1 speed
- DRotate immediately and climb at V2 regardless of the runway remaining
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Reject the takeoff, since the failure occurred before V1 was reached
V1 is the critical decision speed: if a failure is recognized at or before V1, the takeoff must be rejected because the aircraft is not guaranteed to stop safely within the remaining runway once V1 is exceeded. A failure below V1 mandates a rejected takeoff under balanced field length performance assumptions.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The decision is governed by V1/V2 performance planning, not runway-based discretion in the moment.
- C. Being close to V1 does not change the rule—below V1 always calls for a reject.
- D. Continuing to V2 after a failure below V1 risks running out of usable runway or accelerate-stop distance.
V1 Decision Speed / Balanced Field Length
V1 is the maximum speed at which a rejected takeoff can be initiated and stopped within the accelerate-stop distance; above V1, the takeoff must continue to a safe climb speed even with an engine failure.
- Below V1: reject the takeoff on engine failure or major malfunction
- At or above V1: continue the takeoff to V2 (takeoff safety speed)
- Balanced field length equates accelerate-go and accelerate-stop distances
- V1 is calculated based on weight, runway length, wind, and density altitude
Memory trick: 'Before V1, Bail; After V1, Fly'