V1, VR, and V2 Explained for Flight Simulator Takeoffs
NG ROUTE displays V1, VR, and V2 for supported jet types after you build a plan. These three speeds anchor the takeoff briefing tab in every airliner cockpit. They are simplified for simulation — not replacements for a real performance computer — but they give you consistent targets instead of guessing rotation speed.
V1 — decision speed
V1 is the maximum speed at which the takeoff can still be rejected on the remaining runway. After V1, you commit to flying even if an engine fails. In the sim, practice calling “V1” and removing your hand from the reject mindset — continue the roll unless you are still below V1 with room to stop.
VR — rotation speed
VR is where you rotate the nose toward the initial climb attitude. On Airbus fly-by-wire aircraft this is typically a smooth rotation to the flight director cue; on Boeing types it is a deliberate pitch rate. Rotating early wastes runway; rotating late eats pavement and feels wrong in the motion cue.
V2 — takeoff safety speed
V2 is the minimum safe climb speed after an engine failure at liftoff. You fly V2 (or V2+increment) until obstacles are cleared and flap retraction begins. In normal two-engine takeoffs, you still brief V2 because the engine-out case is what the speeds protect.
Flaps and pitch trim
NG ROUTE may suggest a flap setting and pitch trim value based on aircraft defaults. Match these in your MCDU or FMC TAKEOFF page where possible. Add-ons like FBW A32NX, ToLiss, or PMDG 737 translate performance data differently — treat NG ROUTE figures as a starting point and adjust if your add-on calculates its own FLEX/TO thrust and flaps.
Estimated takeoff weight
The planner estimates takeoff weight from fuel totals plus a default empty weight model. If you load extra fuel or cargo in the sim, your real VR/V2 from an advanced performance tool might differ slightly. For training flights inside normal envelope, the estimates are close enough to practice standard callouts.
Simulator workflow
- Create route and note V-speeds on the summary card.
- Enter them in the FMS TAKEOFF page or write them on a sticky note.
- Line up on the METAR-suggested runway.
- Call “Thrust set — V1 — rotate — positive climb — gear up” on every departure until it is automatic.
Consistent callouts matter more than perfect numbers when you are learning crew resource management habits in single-pilot sim sessions.
When numbers are not shown
Smaller general-aviation types in the dropdown may not display V-speeds because performance varies heavily with weight and runway surface. Use POH charts for those aircraft instead.
Displayed V-speeds are educational aids for simulation. They are not certified for real-world operations.