Definition
The airspeed at which an aircraft transitions from being supported by its landing gear to being supported by aerodynamic lift, allowing it to lift off and begin climbing. The specific value is published in the aircraft's operating handbook and varies by aircraft type, weight, configuration, and conditions.
Plain English
The speed the aircraft must reach during the takeoff roll before the wings can lift it off the runway.
Context Anchor
Seen in takeoff procedures, including instrument takeoffs, when the pilot is deciding when the aircraft should leave the runway and begin the initial climb.
Derivation
“Takeoff” comes from the everyday phrase “take off,” meaning to leave a surface. In aviation, it means the aircraft leaving the runway and becoming airborne, so “takeoff speed” is the speed connected with that moment.
Why Pilots Care
Reaching this speed ensures the aircraft can climb away safely without stalling or using excessive runway.
Intuition Check
Do not read “takeoff speed” as ordinary ground speed. In pilot procedures, it normally means the airspeed shown in the cockpit that is used to judge when the aircraft is ready to fly.
Example Sentence 1
As the airspeed indicator approached takeoff speed, the pilot eased back on the control yoke and the aircraft lifted off the runway.
Example Sentence 2
During the instrument takeoff, airspeed was monitored closely to ensure takeoff speed was achieved before the end of the runway.