Gate 41

Things that look scary but have an explanation

Why does takeoff feel so fast?

I am pinned to my seat. Is this normal?

To fly, the wings must move through the air fast enough to make lift. A typical airliner lifts off at roughly 140 to 170 knots (about 260 to 315 km/h), after a roll of around 30 to 45 seconds. The exact numbers depend on weight, runway length and weather.

The average acceleration is only about 0.2 to 0.3 g, a firm push into the seat that is gentler than most roller coasters but without the screaming.

For every takeoff the pilots calculate three speeds. V1 is the decision speed (below it they can stop on the runway; above it they continue, even if an engine fails). Vr is where they start to lift the nose. V2 is the safe climb speed with one engine out.

A little deeper

If the aircraft goes from 0 to about 80 m/s in 40 s, the average acceleration is 2 m/s2 (roughly 0.2 g). It feels stronger because the beginning of the roll is the part you notice and because you lean back.

Rotation (raising the nose) is typically at about 3 degrees per second. Takeoff performance software accounts for runway length, temperature, wind, slope, contamination and weight. The crew cross-check the numbers.

Honest limits: a rejected takeoff is possible and trained for. Aircraft are certified to stop within the runway for an abort at or below V1.

See it in Gate 41, in the cockpit

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