Rejected Takeoff (RTO)

What happens when you realise you have some problem with your car, such as engine seizing etc? You right away stop the car and call a mechanic. What happens in the case of airplane? The procedure followed in the case of aircraft is known as aborted takeoff or rejected takeoff (RTO).

Video Credits: Boeing

What is a rejected takeoff (RTO)?

Rejected Takeoff is the term used in aviation terminology describing the event where an ongoing takeoff action is aborted due to unavoidable reasons. There are many reasons for aborting the takeoff such as rough environmental conditions, engine failure, controlability issues.

Process of rejected takeoff (RTO)

As soon as a pilot feels something unusual with the aircraft which may cause serious issue in flight, he reports the issue to ATC (Air Traffic Control). ATC categorises the level of issue and advises for aborting the takeoff if already takeoff is ongoing. Pilot immediately executes emergency procedures to stop the aircraft immediately.

Deciding rejected takeoff (RTO)

Declaring an RTO condition isn’t so easy. An airplane needs to attain a minimum velocity called V1 for attempting takeoff. RTO is only advised if the airplane’s speed is below V1 . So what happens if the speed is above V1?

Video Credits: JSL SAA

If the speed is above V the airplane is allowed for attempting a takeoff and advised to land immediately after loitering. This is done because if an airplane attempts aborting takeoff at speeds above V1 the airplane may overshoot the runway. In case of single engine or light twin engine aircraft the RTO condition is declared irrespective of Velocity (V1).

Do not worry all airplane are tested for such situations before commissioning for service. Pilots are trained for handling such situations. This test is known as RTO testing. This is done to ensure the airworthiness of airplane.