What Happens During Takeoff
2 min read
The short answer
Takeoff is the loudest, busiest part of the flight — and one of the most carefully planned. The roar, the push into your seat, the thunks after liftoff and the sudden quieter engines are all normal steps, calculated before every single flight.
Every Step Is Planned
Takeoff can feel fast, loud and unfamiliar. But every sound and feeling has a normal explanation. Here's what's happening, step by step.
Before You Move
The pilots have already worked through a detailed checklist. They've checked the engines, controls, instruments, weather and runway length. Air traffic control has cleared them for takeoff. Everything is confirmed before the plane moves an inch.
A Pause, Then the Roar
As the takeoff begins, the engine sound may rise, hold for a moment, then build to a roar. That pause is planned. The pilots let both engines settle at part power first, so they speed up evenly together. Then they set takeoff power.
The Push Into Your Seat
As the engines reach takeoff power, you'll feel a strong push back into your seat. That's completely normal. The engines are giving the power needed to reach takeoff speed — usually around 150–185 mph, depending on the plane.
The Nose Lifts
At a set speed, the pilot gently raises the nose and the plane leaves the ground. That speed is worked out for every flight, using the plane's weight, the temperature, the wind and the runway length. There's always a safety margin built in.
Thunks After Liftoff
Shortly after leaving the ground, you'll hear thunks and whirring. This is the landing gear folding up into the plane. It's mechanical and normal — a sign that everything is going right.
The Engines Go Quieter
At around 1,000–1,500 feet, the pilots reduce engine power. This is one of the most misunderstood moments of a flight. The sudden drop in noise can feel like something's wrong. In fact, the plane is high and fast enough that full power isn't needed any more. It's like easing off the accelerator once you're up to speed on a motorway.
More Whirring
As the plane speeds up, you may hear more mechanical sounds and feel the angle of the nose change slightly. This is the flaps — panels on the wings that give extra lift at low speed — sliding back in.
Climbing to Cruise
The plane keeps climbing, with gentle turns as it follows its departure route. The seatbelt sign usually stays on until it's above the bumpier air lower down.
The Bottom Line
Every part of takeoff is planned, practised and controlled. The pilots have done it hundreds or thousands of times. Once you reach cruising height, the busiest part of the flight is behind you.
Sources
- FAA, Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3) — takeoff, climb and the decision to reject a takeoff: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook
- FAA, 14 CFR 25.107 — Takeoff speeds: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-25.107
- Airbus, Safety First: Engine thrust management — thrust setting at takeoff — thrust is set in two steps, with a stabilisation step so the engines speed up evenly: https://safetyfirst.airbus.com/engine-thrust-management-thrust-setting-at-takeoff/
- Newsweek, Pilot explains every "scary" airplane noise (2024) — airline pilot Kyle Koukol on the brief pause at part power: https://www.newsweek.com/plane-noises-sounds-pilot-explains-viral-1901344