What Is a Rejected Takeoff (RTO)?

The 30-second answer

A rejected takeoff (RTO) is a deliberate decision by pilots to abort takeoff before the V1 decision speed — typically due to an engine warning, cabin alert, or runway incursion. The aircraft applies maximum braking, full reverse thrust, and ground spoilers to stop on the remaining runway.

What happens next

• The aircraft taxis to a holding pad to cool the brakes (often 30–60 minutes; sometimes longer for high-energy RTOs).
• Maintenance inspects the brakes and tires for damage.
• If the trigger requires it, the aircraft returns to the gate for inspection or repair.

What it means for your day

A high-energy RTO can mean a 1–4 hour delay. A low-speed RTO might cost only 30–60 minutes. Either way, you're often safer for the abort happening.

Track RTO events

FlightyFlow shows RTO and gate-return events as they happen, with a predicted next-departure window.