Pilots' Tricks: Lifting Off the Ground

Pilots have a variety of techniques and procedures to ensure a smooth and safe takeoff. This article explores the specific steps pilots take to lift off the ground, depending on the type of aircraft and the pilot's experience. From small to large aircraft, there are many considerations and practices that contribute to a successful takeoff. Let's delve into the specifics.

The Short Answer

It depends upon the pilot and/or the airplane. Many smaller aircraft will naturally lift off by themselves, especially if the elevator trim is set to a slightly up setting. Larger aircraft, such as airliners, have a calculated rotation airspeed at which the pilot must initiate lift off by pulling back on the control stick or yoke.

General Takeoff Procedures

With the aircraft aligned with the runway, advance the power to takeoff thrust. Allow the aircraft to accelerate. At the appropriate speed, initiate rotation to takeoff attitude and wait for the plane to fly off of the runway. This process is similar for fixed-wing aircraft, regardless of size.

Fixed-Wing Aircraft

For my four-place airplane, I trim it slightly nose up. When I apply full power, I watch the airspeed while slightly pulling back on the control stick. At the correct rotation airspeed, the aircraft typically wants to lift off on its own. However, if it's not ready, I encourage a positive liftoff.

Similar takeoff procedures are followed by pilots of larger aircraft. For example, in the Phantom, I would align the aircraft with the runway and stop, apply the brakes, advance the engines to 85% thrust, release the brakes, and smoothly advance the throttles into military thrust and afterburner reheat if desired. As the nose began to rise, I would relax backstick pressure to establish the takeoff attitude. Once the jet broke ground, I would confirm airborne, retract the landing gear and flaps, continue accelerating to 300 knots, and then out of afterburner, continuing to climb to 350 knots for the climb out or level off at a low level speed.

Helicopter Pilot Experience

As a helicopter pilot, I would pull into a 3-foot hover by pulling on the collective with my left hand and giving just a little bit of left pedal to counteract the torque, then adjusting the cyclic stick in the middle to stay stationary. I would then hover taxi to my destination, give some forward cyclic, and pull up on the collective to go forward, remaining in ground effect for a little bit before transitioning to translational lift and continuing flying to my destination.

Conclusion

While the basic principle of lifting off the ground remains the same, the specific procedures and techniques can vary widely depending on the type of aircraft and the pilot's experience. Understanding these differences is crucial for safe and effective flying.