Pilots check many indicators before takeoff

Question: How do you know when you have a positive rate upon takeoff ?

— Rhett Butler Sr., Chesapeake, Va.

Answer: There are several ways. You can feel the wings creating lift and lifting the airplane off the ground. Once airborne, often you can feel the main gear struts “bottom out” as they fully extend.

Pilots also monitor the altimeter, which is increasing, and the vertical speed indicator for a positive climb.

Q: What lifts the plane off the ground on takeoff, the pilot using a control or just reaching a certain speed for lift?

— Victor Gust, Naples, Fla.

A: Once the airplane has accelerated to the proper speed, known as rotation speed or Vr, the pilot commands the elevators on the tail to raise the nose. Small airplanes will fly off, but jets and larger airplanes have to be commanded to raise the nose.

Q: How is the nose of an airplane lifted during takeoff ?

— FHM

A: The pilot applies backpressure to the yoke or side stick, causing the elevator in the tail to force the tail down causing the nose to rise.

Q: Why, on the takeoff roll, is there a call out for 80 knots? Is that the speed the rudder becomes effective? — Skip E., Los Angeles

A: The 80-knot call is to ensure that both airspeed indicators are functioning properly. The rudder is becoming effective at that speed, too.

John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways.

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