Definition
The airspeed during the takeoff roll at which the pilot applies back pressure on the controls to raise the nosewheel off the runway and establish the takeoff pitch attitude, allowing the airplane to lift off as it accelerates to liftoff speed.
Plain English
The speed during the takeoff run at which the pilot pulls back on the controls to lift the nose off the runway so the airplane can fly away.
Context Anchor
You will see rotation speed during the before-takeoff check, in the airplane’s operating handbook or flight manual, and during the takeoff roll as you watch the airspeed build.
Derivation
Rotation' here refers to the airplane physically rotating about its main wheels — the nose pivots up while the main gear stays on the ground for a moment longer. The 'V' in VR comes from the French 'vitesse,' meaning speed; this is why most takeoff and landing speeds are labeled with V (V1, VR, V2, VS, etc.).
Why Pilots Care
Rotating at the correct speed ensures enough lift is generated for a safe liftoff while avoiding a premature nose-up attitude that could cause a stall or tail strike.
Grounding Statement
As the airplane speeds up on the runway, rotation speed is the planned point where you smoothly begin raising the nose.
Intuition Check
Rotation does not mean the airplane turns left or right. It means the nose is raised for takeoff; VR is the speed where the pilot starts that action, not necessarily the exact speed where the wheels leave the ground.
Example Sentence 1
As the airspeed indicator passed VR, the pilot applied smooth back pressure and the airplane lifted cleanly off the runway.
Example Sentence 2
The checklist reminded the pilot to confirm rotation speed (VR) before advancing the throttles for takeoff.