There are various methods for takeoff

Q: I’m amazed at how the pilots steer their plane so effectively while taxiing and then stay centered on the runway’s center line. How are these procedures done?

— Kenneth S. Rothschild, Burbank, Calif.

A: Pilots keep the airplane centered on the runway using a combination of nose-wheel steering and rudder. From very basic flight training, it is a skill that is taught and evaluated frequently. Pilots watch for drift during takeoff roll and apply rudder with the rudder pedals. On some airplanes at lower speeds it may be necessary to add a bit of nose-wheel steering to achieve the desired track.

Q: I have noticed a yawing sensation on takeoff, and even more pronounced on landing. What causes that?

— Randy, Grand Rapids, Mich.

A: You may be feeling the pilots moving the rudder, which causes yawing, during the takeoff roll. On some airplanes it is more pronounced than others. If there is a gusty crosswind, the pilots will move the rudder to control the path of the airplane. You will feel it as a yaw.

Q: A former Navy pilot told me that the rudder becomes effective after a certain minimum airspeed and that prior to lifting off, pilots will test the pedals to see if the rudder is having an effect. Is this true and something pilots normally do during takeoff ?

— Nate, Indiana

A: Effectiveness of the rudder is dependent on the airflow passing across it. As the airplane accelerates, the rudder becomes more effective. Pilots adjust the track on the runway by using the rudder and nose-wheel steering. Some airplanes have an interconnection between the rudder pedals and the nose-wheel steering, allowing pilots to make all of the runway steering corrections via the rudder pedals. Other airplanes have a separate nose steering wheel used in the early part of the takeoff roll, then the rudder is used. If the Navy pilot’s airplane did not have the interconnection, then what he said is accurate.