Definition
The greatest possible rate of increase in airplane speed during the takeoff roll, achieved by configuring the airplane and applying power so that thrust is maximized while drag and rolling friction are minimized.
Plain English
Getting the airplane to gain speed as quickly as possible during the takeoff run.
Context Anchor
Used in short-field takeoff procedures, especially during the ground roll before liftoff.
Derivation
From Latin 'accelerare,' meaning 'to hasten' or 'to speed up.' In flying, acceleration refers specifically to how quickly the airplane is gaining speed -- not how fast it is going.
Why Pilots Care
Reaching liftoff speed over the shortest ground distance depends on attaining this highest possible rate of speed buildup before the runway ends.
Intuition Check
Maximum acceleration does not mean rushing the takeoff or pulling the airplane off the runway early. It means using the correct procedure so the airplane gains speed as quickly and safely as it can.
Example Sentence 1
For a short-field takeoff, the pilot applies full power against the brakes to ensure maximum acceleration the moment the brakes are released.
Example Sentence 2
Soft grass reduced maximum acceleration and forced the pilot to abort the takeoff before rotation speed was reached.