Definition
The point during the takeoff roll beyond which the pilot is committed to continuing the takeoff rather than aborting, because there is no longer enough remaining runway to stop the airplane safely. Before this point, the pilot can reject the takeoff and bring the airplane to a stop on the runway; after this point, continuing the takeoff is the safer option even if a problem develops.
Plain English
The moment on the takeoff run when stopping is no longer an option. From that point on, you are going to fly, so you have to keep going.
Context Anchor
Encountered during takeoff planning and during the takeoff roll, especially when deciding whether to continue or reject a takeoff.
Derivation
“Go” comes from Old English words meaning to move or proceed. “Commitment” means being bound to a course of action. In this aviation use, the phrase means the point where the takeoff has moved beyond a safe stopping choice and the pilot must proceed with flying the airplane.
Why Pilots Care
Recognizing this point prevents runway overruns and loss of directional control that can occur when a pilot attempts an abort too late.
Grounding Statement
On takeoff, there is a practical point where the remaining runway is for flying away, not for trying to stop.
Intuition Check
GO commitment does not mean simply wanting to continue the takeoff. It means the airplane and runway situation have made continuing the takeoff the safer or necessary action.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor briefed that if the engine lost power before the GO commitment point, they would close the throttle and stop on the remaining runway.
Example Sentence 2
On the short runway the instructor stressed that the GO commitment occurs well before rotation so the pilot never considers aborting past that mark.