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BOEING

Flight OperationsREVIEWA MESSAGE TO FLIGHT CREWS FROM THE BOEING COMMERCIAL AIRPLANE GROUP

727-01737-01747-01757-01767-01

March 14, 1986

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER ROTATION TECHNIQUE

We frequently see the result of improper takeoff rotationtechnique in reports of aft body contact with the runway orsignificantly increased takeoff distance. This article discusses

the elements of a properly executed takeoff rotation maneuver andexamines possible consequences of improper rotation techniques.

ROTATION TECHNIQUE

For all Boeing airplanes a properly executed takeoff rotationincludes the following fundamental, but essential, elements.Rotation is initiated at VR and is accomplished as a smooth,continuous maneuver to target pitch attitude. Rotation rate istypically 2-3 degrees per second and in most cases should notexceed 3 degrees per second. To achieve desired performance,takeoff rotation must be accomplished with a reasonable degree ofprecision. However, adequate margins are provided to allow forslight variations in technique.

Typically, pitch attitude at liftoff is about 2 to 4 degrees lessthan the attitude at which ground contact occurs. The point ofminimum tail clearance is slightly AFTER liftoff as shown below.Continuing a smooth rotation to target pitch attitude will assuretarget airspeed and proper takeoff flight path are attained whileproviding adequate ground clearance.

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RESULTS OF IMPROPER ROTATION TECHNIQUES

Early and/or Rapid Rotation

The amount of tail clearance achieved is a function of airspeedat rotation and rate of rotation. Early rotation, even at theproper rate, increases pitch attitude at liftoff approximately 1degree for each 5 knots prior to VR. Similarly, a rapid rotationof 1 to 2 degrees per second above normal increases liftoffattitude by 1 degree. A degree increase in liftoff pitch attitudereduces tail clearance by up to two feet (depending on airplanemodel). Additionally, rapid rotation further reduces tailclearance due to decreasing vertical velocity of the airplane andmay result in ground contact prior to liftoff.

Late, Slow, or Underrotation

Any delay in initiating rotation after VR will increase groundroll distance. For typical operating conditions the increase indistance will be approximately 250 feet for each second of delay.

Slow rotation also increases takeoff distance. For example,rotating at half the correct rate will increase takeoff distancerequired by approximately 500 feet. Similarly if normal rotationoccurs, but pitch attitude is not increased beyond the attitudethat exists at liftoff (well below the target attitude), thetakeoff distance would increase by approximately 1,000 feet.

Rotation technique is a very important part of the overall

takeoff maneuver. A smooth and continuous rotation at the properrate and airspeed to target pitch altitude helps ensure adequatetail clearance and proper takeoff flight path.

BOEING PUBLISHES THE "FLIGHT OPERATIONS REVIEW' FOR OPERATORS AND THEIR FLIGHT CREWS IN

ORDER TO PROVIDE ADVISORY INFORMATION RELATED TO F LIGHT OPERATIONS. ALL INFORMATION IN

THE "FLIGHT OPERATIONS REVIEW' IS CONSIDERED ACCURATE. HOWEVER. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO

REPLACE OR SUPERCEDE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN APPROVED OPERATING DOCUMENTATION.