At what speed do passenger planes take off?

Before each takeoff the crew enters weight, runway length, temperature, pressure and wind into the flight management system and gets three speeds. V1 is the decision speed: below it the takeoff is aborted if something fails; above it, the takeoff continues. VR is the rotation speed, at which the pilot pulls back on the controls and the nose lifts. V2 is the safety speed, the one that guarantees climb even with one engine out. On a single-aisle jet like the A320 or 737, at normal weight, VR falls between 135 and 150 kn (250-280 km/h); on a heavy 777 or A350, between 150 and 170 kn; and on a 747 or A380 at maximum weight, up to 175-180 kn (330 km/h).

The dominant factor is weight: lift depends on the square of speed, so an aircraft full of fuel for a long flight rotates considerably faster than the same model on a short hop. Altitude and heat reduce air density and raise the actual speed needed, which is why airports like Mexico City or Denver require longer runs. Flaps allow takeoff at a lower speed in exchange for more drag, and crews choose the setting that best balances available runway and climb.

Many takeoffs are not done at full power. When the runway is long, computers calculate the minimum thrust that meets safety margins, which extends engine life. The run then lasts 30-45 seconds and the aircraft becomes airborne shortly before the runway's midpoint. A light touring aircraft, by comparison, takes off at 55-65 kn, and a regional turboprop at around 100-110 kn.