Definition
A rejected takeoff is the deliberate decision by the pilot to abort a takeoff and bring the airplane to a stop on the remaining runway, made before the airplane becomes airborne or before reaching a defined go/no-go decision point. It is initiated in response to a problem detected during the takeoff roll, such as engine trouble, abnormal instrument indications, control issues, runway incursions, or any condition that makes continuing the takeoff unsafe.
Plain English
Stopping the takeoff on purpose while still on the runway because something is wrong or doesn't feel right. The pilot pulls the power back, brakes, and stops the airplane instead of lifting off.
Context Anchor
Used in takeoff briefings, runway emergency training, and discussions of engine failure or other problems during the takeoff run.
Derivation
From 'reject,' meaning to refuse or throw back, and 'takeoff,' the act of becoming airborne. Together: refusing to complete the takeoff once it has begun.
Why Pilots Care
A well-executed rejected takeoff keeps the airplane on the ground and prevents a more dangerous situation such as an engine failure after liftoff.
Intuition Check
Do not read “rejected” as meaning air traffic control denied permission, or that the flight was canceled before moving. A rejected takeoff means the takeoff had already started, and the pilot stopped it because continuing was unsafe.
Example Sentence 1
When the engine RPM dropped during the takeoff roll, the pilot performed a rejected takeoff and brought the airplane to a stop on the runway.
Example Sentence 2
During training the instructor called for a rejected takeoff just after brake release to practice the proper sequence of closing the throttle and applying maximum braking.