From Takeoff to Landing: Understanding Every Phase of Your Flight

Every flight follows the same carefully choreographed sequence of events, from the moment you board until the wheels touch down at your destination. Yet for many passengers, especially nervous flyers, each phase brings its own anxieties and unknowns. That banking turn after takeoff – is it normal? The engine getting quieter – should you be worried? The plane descending for what feels like forever – are we okay? Understanding what happens during each phase of flight transforms the unknown into the familiar, and can turn anxiety into appreciation for the precision of modern aviation.

Phase 1: Boarding and Pushback

What's Happening

Before the plane even moves, pilots are conducting extensive pre-flight checks. They're reviewing the flight plan, checking weather along the route, calculating required fuel, programming the flight management computer, and running through detailed checklists. Meanwhile, ground crew are loading baggage, fueling the aircraft, and performing their own safety inspections.

What You'll Notice

• Cargo doors slamming shut beneath the cabin
• The APU (auxiliary power unit) starting with a high-pitched whine
• Air conditioning and cabin pressure systems activating
• Pilots making PA announcements and flight attendants doing safety demonstrations
• The aircraft door closing with a distinctive thunk

What's Normal

Delays during this phase are common and almost always precautionary. Pilots won't depart unless every system checks out perfectly. A delay to fix a minor issue now is far better than dealing with it in the air. The extensive pre-flight process is evidence of how seriously aviation takes safety.

When the plane pushes back from the gate (you'll hear the tug vehicle engine), you're in the hands of ground crew who guide the aircraft backward until it's clear to taxi under its own power.

Phase 2: Engine Start and Taxi

What's Happening

Once clear of the gate, pilots start the main engines. On most modern aircraft, this happens one engine at a time. You'll hear each engine spool up with a characteristic whooshing roar. The pilots then begin communicating with ground control, receiving taxi clearance and instructions to reach the runway.

What You'll Notice

• Main engines starting – a building roar as each comes online
• The aircraft beginning to move forward under its own power
• Regular thumping as wheels cross pavement seams and expansion joints
• Brake squeals during turns (especially sharp turns)
• The plane might stop and wait at various holding points
• Wing flaps extending (you'll see them move if you're in a window seat)

What's Normal

Taxi can take anywhere from 2 to 20 minutes depending on the airport size and traffic. Those stops aren't problems – the pilots are following instructions from ground control to sequence traffic and ensure safe spacing between aircraft. The flaps extending is a normal pre-takeoff configuration, giving the wings more lift at slower speeds.

Phase 3: Takeoff Roll and Rotation

What's Happening

After receiving clearance from the tower, the aircraft lines up on the runway centerline. The pilots advance the throttles to takeoff power – the highest power setting the engines will use. The plane accelerates down the runway until it reaches rotation speed (V_R), at which point the pilot pulls back on the controls and the nose lifts off the ground. Seconds later, the main wheels leave the pavement.

What You'll Notice

• A pause as the plane sits on the runway (pilots doing final checks)
• Engines building to full roar as takeoff power is applied
• Strong acceleration pushing you back into your seat
• Bumps and vibrations as wheels roll rapidly over the pavement
• The nose pitching up as the pilot rotates
• A moment when the bumping stops – you're airborne
• A climbing sensation as the plane gains altitude

What's Normal

Takeoffs can feel dramatic, but every element is calculated. The pilots know exactly what speed they need for liftoff based on the aircraft's weight, weather conditions, and runway length. You might feel the plane use a lot of runway before lifting off – this is normal and planned. Heavy aircraft on hot days require more distance.

Some airports require special departure procedures (like steeper climbs or specific turn patterns) due to terrain or noise regulations. These can feel more aggressive than normal takeoffs, but they're routine for pilots flying from that airport.

Phase 4: Initial Climb and Gear Retraction

What's Happening

Within seconds of becoming airborne, the landing gear retracts to reduce drag. The pilots maintain a positive climb rate while following departure procedures that keep the aircraft clear of terrain and other traffic. They're in frequent communication with air traffic control, receiving altitude assignments and heading changes.

What You'll Notice

• A significant thump as the landing gear retracts and locks (often the loudest sound after takeoff)
• Whirring sounds from hydraulic systems
• The plane banking into turns – sometimes quite steeply
• Changes in engine noise as power is adjusted
• The nose-up attitude as the plane climbs
• Your ears popping as cabin pressure adjusts

What's Normal

The landing gear retraction thump alarms many first-time flyers, but it's perfectly normal and happens on every flight. Banks and turns during initial climb are usually due to departure procedures that route aircraft around noise-sensitive areas, keep traffic separated, or avoid terrain. These turns are planned and deliberate, not corrections for problems.

At major airports, you might feel the plane level off briefly during climb. This is usually an altitude restriction from air traffic control to maintain separation from other aircraft. Once cleared, the climb resumes.

Phase 5: Climb to Cruise Altitude

What's Happening

The aircraft continues climbing to its assigned cruise altitude, which is typically between 30,000 and 42,000 feet for commercial jets. Pilots reduce power from the maximum takeoff setting to a more efficient climb setting. The flight management computer may be flying the plane (autopilot), with pilots monitoring and adjusting as needed.

What You'll Notice

• A noticeable reduction in engine noise a few minutes after takeoff (power reduction)
• The nose-down pitch becoming less steep
• Continued pressure changes in your ears
• Flaps retracting (if they haven't already)
• The seatbelt sign turning off (unless there's turbulence)
• Flight attendants beginning cabin service

What's Normal

The engine noise reduction after takeoff concerns many passengers, but it's completely standard. Running engines at maximum power continuously would be inefficient and cause unnecessary wear. Think of it like shifting gears in a car – you don't keep the gas pedal floored after accelerating onto the highway.

The climb phase can take 15-30 minutes depending on the cruise altitude and aircraft performance. During this time, you might experience some turbulence, especially when passing through different atmospheric layers. This is normal and expected.

Phase 6: Cruise

What's Happening

The aircraft reaches cruise altitude and the nose levels out. This is the most fuel-efficient phase of flight, where the plane can cover the most distance with the least effort. The autopilot is almost certainly engaged, with pilots monitoring systems, tracking fuel consumption, watching weather ahead, and communicating with air traffic control.

What You'll Notice

• The plane leveling off – no more climbing sensation
• Relatively stable, smooth flight (conditions permitting)
• Quieter engine noise than during climb
• Freedom to move about the cabin
• Beverage and meal service (on longer flights)
• Occasional small adjustments in altitude or heading

What's Normal

Cruise is typically the smoothest part of the flight, but turbulence can still occur. Clear air turbulence is most common at cruise altitudes. If you hit rough air, pilots may request a different altitude where conditions are smoother.

You might notice the engines getting slightly quieter as the flight progresses. As fuel is burned and the aircraft becomes lighter, less power is needed to maintain speed. These small power adjustments are routine.

The plane might also step-climb – climbing to a higher altitude partway through the flight. As the aircraft gets lighter, it can fly more efficiently at higher altitudes where the air is thinner.

Phase 7: Descent

What's Happening

About 100-150 miles from the destination, pilots begin a gradual descent. They're following specific arrival procedures, communicating with approach control, and preparing the aircraft for landing. The flight management computer calculates the optimal descent profile to arrive at the right altitude at the right place.

What You'll Notice

• A subtle nose-down pitch
• Your ears popping as cabin pressure changes
• Engine noise decreasing (power is reduced for descent)
• A gradual sinking sensation
• The seatbelt sign turning back on
• Flight attendants securing the cabin

What's Normal

Descent can feel like it takes forever – and it kind of does. A typical descent from 35,000 feet takes 20-30 minutes. Pilots aim for a gentle, gradual descent (about 1,500-2,500 feet per minute) for passenger comfort and to protect engines from rapid temperature changes.

You might feel the plane level off at various altitudes during descent. These are altitude restrictions from air traffic control to sequence incoming traffic. It's like a queue in the sky – you might have to wait your turn.

Descent is also when you're most likely to experience turbulence, as the aircraft passes through different atmospheric layers and gets closer to weather systems near the ground.

Phase 8: Approach and Configuration

What's Happening

As the aircraft gets closer to the airport, pilots configure it for landing. This means extending flaps and slats (movable surfaces on the wings that provide more lift at slower speeds) and eventually lowering the landing gear. They're flying a precisely defined approach path, either following instruments or visual references, to line up with the runway.

What You'll Notice

• Increasing mechanical sounds and vibrations as flaps extend (happens in stages)
• The plane slowing noticeably
• A louder rushing sound as flaps increase drag
• A loud thump and rumble when landing gear extends (usually 3-5 miles from the runway)
• The aircraft feeling more stable and slower
• Banks and turns as the plane lines up with the runway

What's Normal

The landing gear extension is one of the most dramatic sounds in flight – a loud thump, grinding, or rumble as heavy wheels drop into the airstream and lock in place. This happens on every single landing and is perfectly normal. If you're near a window, you can see the gear extend and three green lights (gear down and locked) illuminate in the cockpit.

Flaps extending creates vibration and noise because they dramatically change the airflow around the wings. The more flaps extend, the louder it gets. This is all part of configuring the aircraft to fly slowly and safely for landing.

Phase 9: Final Approach

What's Happening

The aircraft is on final approach, aligned with the runway, descending on a precise 3-degree glideslope (about 300 feet down per mile forward). Pilots are making constant tiny adjustments to stay on the glidepath, monitoring airspeed, and preparing for touchdown. In the final seconds, they'll transition from looking at instruments to looking out the window at the runway.

What You'll Notice

• The ground getting visibly closer (if you have a window seat)
• Small banks and pitch changes as pilots make corrections
• Everything getting louder as you get closer to the ground (ground effect)
• The characteristic "whine" of engines at landing power
• A slight increase in pitch (nose-up attitude) just before touchdown

What's Normal

Small corrections during final approach are completely normal – pilots are compensating for wind, adjusting alignment, and fine-tuning the descent rate. What looks like jittery flying is actually precise control.

If you feel the plane suddenly climb or turn away from the runway, the pilots have executed a go-around – aborting the landing to try again. This might happen due to unstable approach, traffic on the runway, or poor visibility. Go-arounds are a safety feature, not an emergency. They happen hundreds of times daily at airports worldwide.

Phase 10: Landing

What's Happening

In the final seconds before touchdown, the pilot flares the aircraft – pulling back slightly on the controls to raise the nose and reduce descent rate. The main wheels touch first, then the nose wheel settles onto the runway. Immediately, the pilots deploy spoilers (panels on the wings that kill lift and increase drag), engage reverse thrust, and apply wheel brakes to slow the aircraft.

What You'll Notice

• A firm bump or thump as wheels contact the runway
• Possible bouncing if the landing is slightly rough
• Panels popping up on the wings (spoilers)
• A dramatic roar as reverse thrust engages
• Strong deceleration pushing you forward against your seatbelt
• Vibration and noise from the wheels on the pavement

What's Normal

Not all landings are smooth – and that's okay. In fact, in some conditions (wet runways, strong winds), pilots intentionally make firmer landings to ensure good wheel contact for braking. A slightly rough landing is often safer than a perfectly smooth one.

The reverse thrust roar lasts only 10-30 seconds but sounds dramatic because the engines are redirecting their thrust forward. Combined with wheel brakes and spoilers, this brings hundreds of thousands of pounds to a safe stop.

Phase 11: Taxi to Gate

What's Happening

Once at taxi speed, the pilots turn off the reverse thrust and navigate the aircraft via taxiways to the assigned gate. They're following ground control instructions, watching for other aircraft and vehicles, and running post-landing checklists.

What You'll Notice

• The dramatic engine noise stopping
• The same bumps and brake squeals as the departure taxi
• Turns as the plane navigates to the gate
• Flaps retracting (you'll hear whirring)
• The captain's welcome announcement

What's Normal

Taxi after landing can sometimes take as long as the taxi before takeoff. Ground traffic is often heavier at busy times, and the gate might not be ready yet. This is routine airport operations, not a problem.

Phase 12: Parking and Shutdown

What's Happening

Ground crew guide the aircraft to the precise parking position at the gate. Once stopped, pilots set the parking brake, shut down the engines, and complete final checklists. Ground crew connect the jet bridge and begin unloading baggage.

What You'll Notice

• The aircraft coming to a complete stop
• Engines winding down
• The seatbelt sign turning off
• Various mechanical sounds as systems shut down
• The passenger door opening

What's Normal

Sometimes there's a delay before the door opens – this might be because the jet bridge isn't in position yet, or ground staff are coordinating arrival logistics. Patience here gets you safely to the terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flight Phases

Why do engines get quieter after takeoff?

Engines reduce from maximum takeoff power to a more efficient climb setting shortly after takeoff. Running engines at maximum power continuously would be inefficient and cause unnecessary wear. Think of it like shifting gears in a car – you don't keep the gas pedal floored after accelerating onto the highway. This power reduction is completely normal and happens on every flight.

What is that loud thump during and after takeoff?

The loud thump you hear during initial climb is the landing gear retracting and locking into place. This happens within seconds of becoming airborne to reduce drag. It's one of the loudest sounds you'll hear during flight and alarms many first-time flyers, but it's perfectly normal and happens on every single flight. You may also hear hydraulic systems as flaps retract.

Why does landing feel so abrupt or rough sometimes?

Not all landings are smooth, and that's okay. In certain conditions like wet runways or strong winds, pilots intentionally make firmer landings to ensure good wheel contact for effective braking. A slightly rough landing is often safer than a perfectly smooth one because it ensures the aircraft is firmly planted on the runway with good traction. The landing you feel as "hard" is usually well within normal parameters.

What is a go-around and is it dangerous?

A go-around is when pilots abort a landing and climb away to try again. This might happen due to an unstable approach, traffic on the runway, wind shear, or poor visibility. Go-arounds are a standard safety procedure, not an emergency. They happen hundreds of times daily at airports worldwide and demonstrate good pilot decision-making. The aircraft simply climbs, repositions, and attempts another landing.

How long does each phase of flight take?

Timing varies by flight, but typical durations are: taxi (2-20 minutes), takeoff roll (30-60 seconds), initial climb (2-5 minutes), climb to cruise (15-30 minutes), cruise (varies by distance), descent (20-30 minutes), approach (5-10 minutes), final approach (2-3 minutes), landing (seconds), and taxi to gate (2-20 minutes). The longest variable phase is cruise, which could be 30 minutes or 15+ hours depending on your route.

The Precision Behind Every Phase

What might look or feel chaotic from a passenger seat is actually a carefully orchestrated sequence that happens thousands of times every day around the world. Every sound, every movement, every procedure has a purpose and has been refined over decades of aviation experience.

Understanding these phases transforms anxiety into awareness. That thump isn't something wrong – it's the landing gear retracting exactly as designed. That engine getting quieter isn't failing – it's being operated efficiently. That banking turn isn't correcting a mistake – it's following the planned departure route.

The next time you fly, try to identify each phase as it happens. You'll find that knowing what to expect makes the entire experience less stressful and might even make it interesting. Aviation is one of humanity's greatest achievements, and every flight is a testament to incredible engineering, training, and precision.

Want to know what conditions to expect during your flight? Use ZeroTurb to check turbulence forecasts for your route, so you can anticipate which phases might be bumpy and which should be smooth sailing.