What is the meaning behind "Rotation" in Aviation?

Hi there, What is the meaning behind “Rotation” in Aviation? I thought that would ask so that others would know, incase they didn’t know… Any information is greatly appreciated. TIA

Quick question: Have you looked up the definition first before asking? Just trying to understand what information you are looking for.

No, I didn’t look up the definition.

1 Like

Looking it up would obviously give a more complete answer, but “rotation” generally means raising the nose of the aircraft during take off.

Particularly in larger aircraft, raising the nose isn’t quite synonymous with literally, “lifting off” and so the distinction.

2 Likes

Additionally, pilots will call out “V1” before saying “Rotate”. Once a pilot says V1 you must continue the takeoff role as it is unsafe to stop the takeoff past that point.

3 Likes

Vr - Rotation speed - Vr is defined as the speed at which the rotation of the aircraft should be initiated to takeoff attitude. Rotation speed (Vr) cannot be less than V1.

Here’s a good link:

3 Likes

It’s called Rotation because in actuality the aircraft is rotating on the pitch axis. The front goes up and the back goes down.

5 Likes

Posters here are correct with regard to “rotation” in reference to changing the aircraft pitch around the lateral axis of the aircraft (in conjunction with fulcrum created by the main landing gear). In broader terms, it can apply to several other aspects, such as rotation of a propeller, blade, turbine, etc, autorotation, or just rotation around any of the aircraft axes. It can also apply to certain aspects of weather.

Fancy term for tornado. Or maybe some anti-cyclonic flow.

Don’t forget that the term “rotation” can apply to the entire earth or even the galaxy.

1 Like