Ask the Captain: That sinking feeling right after takeoff (2024)

Question: Right after takeoff, it often seems that the pilot slows down and the plane drops somewhat. Why is that? I have noticed that it is pretty consistent.

—Submittedby reader Conchetta, Arizona

Answer: The sensation of slowing down is really one of slowing the rate of acceleration; this is due to reducing the thrust after takeoff to the climb setting. The sensation of “dropping” comes from the retraction of the flaps and slats. The rate of climb is reduced, causing it to feel like a descent.

Q: Flying and cruising altitude and landing, not a problem. Taking off, I'm not so fond of. It seems that some takeoffs have instances where it feels like you are weightless and are pulling Gs. What causes that?

— Brad Cullen, Milwaukee

A: The sensations you describe are the result of acceleration forces during takeoff, causing you to feel the G forces increasing. Once airborne and the rate of acceleration decreases, the resulting decrease in G load gives you the sensation of reduced weight.

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Q: While riding in the first-class cabin of wing engine mounted jetliners or in the aft cabin of a tail engine mounted one, I notice a steady hum coming from the engines during takeoff. The humming dissipates as the aircraft climbs to cruise altitude. What is the exact source of this sound and what causes it?

— Rick, Los Angeles

A: The fan section of the engine generates resonance at high power. As the altitude increases, the thrust decreases, causing the resonance to decrease. Once cruise altitude is reached, the sound further diminishes as engine power is lowered.

Q: How much power from the engines must be sustained to ensure proper climb rate after takeoff?

—Chris, Brooklyn, New York

A: Pilots are provided climb-power settings based on the temperature and altitude. After takeoff, the power setting is reduced to the pre-calculated climb setting. This ensures that the climb rate will be normal.

Q: What is the best rate of climb for a 737 fully loaded and occupied?

— Bob

A: A fully loaded 737NG (the modern version of this classic airliner) will climb 2,500 to 4,000 feet per minute, depending on the altitude and temperature.

Q: When listening to Los Angeles Departure Control, I’ve heard aircraft ask for “high speed climb.” Are only certain aircraft able to ask for that? I've noticed it seems to be aircraft going overseas, like Philippine Airlines to Manila.

— Danny, Rosemead, Calif.

A: Large wide-body aircraft with heavy passenger, cargo and fuel loads need more airspeed to climb efficiently. There is a speed limit of 250 knots below 10,000 feet. These heavy jets are asking for clearance to go above that speed to enable their ascent.

John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.

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Ask the Captain: That sinking feeling right after takeoff (2024)

FAQs

Ask the Captain: That sinking feeling right after takeoff? ›

Answer: The sensation of slowing down is really one of slowing the rate of acceleration; this is due to reducing the thrust after takeoff to the climb setting. The sensation of “dropping” comes from the retraction of the flaps and slats. The rate of climb is reduced, causing it to feel like a descent.

What is the sinking feeling at takeoff? ›

Wonder why you get that "sinking feeling" during take-off? Koukol said that this is actually "the airplane changing its angle as it goes into the wind," which results in feeling like "you're just sinking there for a minute," especially in the back of the plane.

Why do planes dip after takeoff? ›

And what it is, is, it's called the thrust reduction altitude. Once we take off, reaching a certain ounce, we actually reduce power on the engines. And one of the reasons is to reduce wear on the engines. But the other one. is to actually reduce noise on the ground.

What do pilots say on takeoff? ›

Therefore, when pilots say the word "rotate" on takeoff, it serves as a clear reminder for them to carry out the rotation. The pilot needs to make sure that they lift the nose of the airplane off the ground at the precise time required for the plane to take off.

Why do I feel dizzy when the plane takes off? ›

Flying does two things that are relevant to dizziness-- it may induce motion sickness, and it may stimulate the ear through pressure changes. There is a small literature about "alternobaric vertigo". In small planes, dizziness may come from either or both mechanisms.

Why do I feel weird after getting off a plane? ›

People with MdDS may feel like they are in motion when they're not. It usually occurs after a person has been on a boat, plane, or an environment where they were exposed to passive motion, for example, a water bed or exercise equipment.

Do pilots get nervous before takeoff? ›

Usually not. However, some weather conditions can cause turbulence and up and downdrafts such that an airplane can not be controlled completely; that makes me nervous.

Why is plane takeoff so scary? ›

Some people become anxious because of particular elements of the flying experience. For example, the security screening process or being in an enclosed space with many people might bother some people. Others might fear being over a large body of water or flying through turbulence or bad weather.

Why do pilots reject takeoff? ›

Reasons to perform a rejected takeoff vary, but are usually related to a suspected or actual problem with the aircraft, such as an engine failure; fire; incorrect configuration; aircraft control issue; unusually slow acceleration; automated warning signal(s) indicating a critical system failure; environmental ...

Why do pilots reduce thrust after takeoff? ›

There are two reasons. With full take-off thrust engines wear rather much due to high turbine temperatures. Therefore the use of take-off thrust is typically limited to maximum of five minutes. In emergency they can be used longer at full thrust - but then an engine (or engines) need an expensive “major overhaul.

Why do pilots say 5 by 5? ›

The phrase "five by five" can be used informally to mean "good signal strength" or "loud and clear". An early example of this phrase was in 1946, recounting a wartime conversation.

What do pilots say for yes? ›

Roger means, very specifically: “your message has been received and understood.” Wilco means: “your message has been received and understood and I will comply.” Affirm (note, NOT affirmative) simply means yes, but is clearer over the radio.

What does a pilot see when flying? ›

Pilots have a unique viewpoint while flying private or commercial aircraft. They get an unobstructed view of stunning natural sights, such as pink lakes and rectangular-shaped icebergs. Some have reported seeing UFOs, while others have flown over swirling hurricanes.

What happens if you faint on a plane? ›

If a passenger faints or passes out during a flight, flight attendants will assess the situation and provide any required aid. They will normally request medical aid from any certified medical personnel on board, or they will contact ground medical services to arrange for treatment upon landing.

Is it common to faint on a plane? ›

Flight attendants try to keep an eye on passengers, but sometimes the unexpected happens. On long-haul flights of six hours or more, it's not unusual for at least one passenger to lose consciousness. During my 30-year career as a flight attendant, no fewer than 300 passengers have passed out while I was on duty.

What is a vasovagal response on a plane? ›

When heart rate slows, blood pressure drops, and the resulting lack of blood to the brain causes fainting and confusion. Fainting may be preceded by feeling unwell, nauseous, and confusion. Vasovagal syncope is usually harmless and requires not treatment, but a person may injure themselve during an episode.

Why does my head feel weird during takeoff? ›

Some studies suggest that the cabin pressure changes in the airplane, which are more pronounced during takeoff and landing, affects the head and sinuses in a way that triggers a headache. Another possible explanation for AHs is a fear of flying, which can cause stress and anxiety and subsequently trigger a headache.

How does a plane feel during take off? ›

The lightweight interior panels and fascia may rattle and vibrate a little at first. After a few moments the nose of the plane will tilt up and everything gets quieter and smoother as you lift off. Sometimes it may feel like the plane is climbing too steeply.

Why does the sinking feeling happen? ›

1 It is a heavy, sinking feeling that can be overwhelming. A feeling of impending doom can be a symptom of anxiety and affect your mental health, relationships, and ability to carry out normal daily activities. If you are experiencing a feeling of impending doom, listen to your body and reach out for support.

Why does take off feel weird? ›

Why do you feel yourself being pushed back into the seat of an airplane on takeoff? The aircraft is accelerating as it goes down the runway during the takeoff roll. This means that the speed is rapidly increasing. Your body has mass, it is being accelerated, you feel the Force, Luke….

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