What does V1 represent in aviation?

In aviation, V1 represents the takeoff decision speed. This is a critical point in the takeoff phase of flight. When an aircraft is in the process of taking off, V1 is the speed at which the pilot must decide whether to continue the takeoff or abort to stop. If the aircraft reaches V1 and experiences an engine failure or another emergency, the pilot is committed to continuing the takeoff because there may not be enough runway left to safely stop the aircraft.

V1 is determined based on various factors, including aircraft weight, runway length, and environmental conditions. It is an essential part of the performance calculations carried out by pilots and is significantly influenced by the aircraft’s configuration and conditions on the day of flight. Understanding V1 is crucial for ensuring safety during takeoff operations.