How Not To Ruin The Beginning Of Your Flight

The first few minutes of any mission are critical. A pro explains what can go wrong and how to keep that happening

Plane & Pilot

Friday, March 18, 2016 at 10:47 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The article sets the scene for a highly critical and dangerous phase of flight in a single-engine airplane: just after takeoff, at barely flying speed, with most of the runway gone and obstacles ahead.
It emphasizes the severe lack of options during this initial ascent, hinting that the full article will provide crucial strategies to improve safety and odds in this precarious situation.

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Picture this: You’re in a single-engine airplane, barely at flying speed. The vast majority of the runway is in your rearview, the trees are out in front of you, and you’re hoping that nothing goes wrong, because there aren’t a lot of options. What to do to improve the odds on this most critical phase of flight.