Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

Which of the following speeds is critical for takeoff performance?

1. Maximum landing gear extended speed

2. Minimum control speed with critical engine inoperative

3. Speed at which the critical engine is assumed to fail

4. Never exceed speed

The correct answer is: Speed at which the critical engine is assumed to fail

The speed at which the critical engine is assumed to fail is important for takeoff performance because it directly influences the pilot’s ability to maintain control of the aircraft in the event of an engine failure during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff. This speed, often referred to as V1, is the maximum speed at which a pilot must decide whether to continue the takeoff or abort. If an engine fails before this speed, the aircraft can safely stop on the remaining runway, whereas if the failure occurs after reaching this speed, the pilot should continue the takeoff, as there may not be enough runway left to stop safely. In the context of takeoff, understanding this speed is crucial for safe operations, as it allows for an assessment of the aircraft's performance and the effective management of the aircraft's flight path following an engine failure. The other speeds mentioned, while relevant in their specific contexts, do not directly dictate the critical aspects of takeoff performance concerning engine failure scenarios.