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 initial moments of flight, shortly after takeoff in a single-engine airplane, are an extremely critical phase.
During this period, pilots face very limited options if an emergency occurs due to low speed, minimal remaining runway, and proximity to obstacles.
The article aims to provide strategies and advice to improve safety and the odds of a positive outcome during this high-risk phase of flight.

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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.