Definition
The moment during the takeoff procedure when the pilot lifts their feet off the wheel brakes, allowing the airplane to begin its takeoff roll. It marks the official start of the takeoff and is the reference point from which takeoff distance, time, and performance are measured.
Plain English
The instant you let the brakes go and the airplane starts rolling down the runway for takeoff.
Context Anchor
You will see this term in takeoff procedures and performance descriptions, especially when measuring distance from the start of the takeoff run.
Why Pilots Care
It establishes the exact starting point for measuring takeoff roll distance and acceleration timing in performance calculations.
Intuition Check
Do not read brake release as a casual action with no exact point. In this context, it is a specific moment: the brakes come off, and the takeoff run begins.
Example Sentence 1
After lining up on the centerline and applying full power, the pilot performed brake release and the airplane began to accelerate down the runway.
Example Sentence 2
Takeoff distance charts assume the measurement begins at brake release with engines at full power.