Definition
The interval between the moment a pilot perceives an event, such as an engine failure, and the moment a corrective control input is initiated. In single-engine engine-failure-after-takeoff scenarios, reaction time is treated as a fixed delay during which the airplane continues to decelerate and descend before the pilot lowers the nose to maintain best glide.
Plain English
How long it takes a pilot to notice something has gone wrong and start doing something about it. During that short pause, the airplane is still flying on its own with no input from the pilot.
Context Anchor
Encountered in engine-failure-after-takeoff discussions, where even a few seconds can affect airspeed, altitude, and landing options.
Derivation
Reaction comes from Latin roots meaning “to act back” or “to act in response.” That helps here because reaction time is not the event itself; it is the time before the pilot acts in response to the event.
Why Pilots Care
Longer reaction time reduces available altitude and options, directly raising the risk of an unsuccessful outcome.
Grounding Statement
If the engine loses power just after liftoff, reaction time is the brief pause before the pilot lowers the nose and starts handling the emergency.
Intuition Check
Reaction time does not mean how fast the airplane reacts. It means how long it takes the pilot to recognize the problem and begin the response.
Example Sentence 1
Briefing the takeoff emergency plan before applying full power reduces reaction time if the engine quits after liftoff.
Example Sentence 2
Simulator practice shortens reaction time when an actual engine failure occurs shortly after takeoff.