What Happens During Airliner Flights

How Large Airplanes Fly; Pilot Actions Before and During the Trip

Oct 14, 2008

For passengers sitting in a plane, the pilot's job can seem like a complete mystery, as can the different things the plane does. Here is a brief account of what happens.

With the flight deck completely isolated from the passenger cabin, many passengers have no idea what is happening during their aircraft flight. It is interesting to know, and this knowledge has been known to prevent some people’s fear of flying. Here is a brief description.

Before the Flight

The pilots will have checked the weather, calculated how much fuel is needed, and walked around the plane to make sure everything is as it should be. While the passengers board, they will be in the cockpit doing their pre-takeoff checks, They will work methodically down a list, with one pilot reading each checklist item and the other verifying it. They will have talked to Air Traffic Control (ATC), and have obtained a time slot for takeoff.

Leaving the Airport

Once everyone is aboard, the aircraft will be pushed back, since planes cannot reverse. Then the pilots will start the engines; again, there is a checklist of things to do and nothing is left to chance. One pilot will be flying for each leg; usually the Captain and First Officer do each flight alternately. Once ATC give them permission, the pilots will taxi towards the runway. They may have to wait, and passengers who look out of the window at this point may see a queue of aircraft approaching the runway.

The Takeoff

When ATC tells the pilot “cleared for takeoff”, he or she will taxi out on to the runway, then increase the power. A certain speed is necessary before the pilot can lift the nose of the aircraft and start flying. Once airborne safely, the non-handling pilot will retract the wheels, and passengers will hear a sudden thud…nothing to worry about.

The Cruise Phase of Flight

The pilot will need to follow a particular route to leave the airport, for safety. He will then climb to the height specified by ATC. He will now level off, and reduce the power. The engine noise will be quieter – again, nothing to worry about. He will set his heading, and in most modern aircraft the route will now be flown semi-automatically and the pilots have very little to do. But there are always checks, they will need to speak on the radio, and monitor weather, particularly at their destination.

The Descent and Landing

Some way from the destination the pilot will start a descent. He will reduce power, so the aircraft becomes very quiet, but no-one needs to worry about this. He will follow a specified route to the runway, and at a certain point put down the wheels – a definite thud! Passengers may also hear flaps on the wings being deployed; these slow the aircraft down. There will be pre-landing checks, and then he will land the aircraft…although some aircraft have ‘autoland’ these days – an automatic landing system. Once down he will put on reverse thrust, which acts as a brake. He will then taxi to the stand designated by ATC.

That is all there is to it. It is not particularly complicated, but in the passenger cabin it can seem mysterious or even frightening. However, knowledge should help to dispel that fear. So enjoy your next flight!

The copyright of the article What Happens During Airliner Flights in Commercial Aviation is owned by Helen Krasner. Permission to republish What Happens During Airliner Flights in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.