Your Own Flight
Take-Off & Landing

Illustration

The THRUST force makes the aircraft speed up along the runway.

Why doesn't it take off?
 

Illustration

The WEIGHT force is bigger than the LIFT force. 

What happens as the aircraft goes faster? 
 

Animation of Takeoff

Now the LIFT force is bigger than the WEIGHT force. 

The forces are unbalanced, and the aircraft starts to rise. 

How does the pilot get back down safely? 
 

Illustration

The spoilers increase the DRAG force, to slow down the aircraft. As it goes slower, the LIFT force gets less and the aircraft starts to descend. 

As the aircraft slows down, the pilot extends the flaps at the back of the wings. This increases the lift so that the aircraft does not fall out of the air.

How can the pilot stop the aircraft quickly when it has touched down on the runway?

Deflect the exhaust air forwards (on many aircraft this can be done to slow them down when they have landed). Now the THRUST force is forwards, and helps to stop the aircraft. Of course, pulling on the brakes helps as well!

 

Illustration

Deflect the exhaust air forwards (on many aircraft this can be done to slow them down when they have landed). Now the THRUST force is forwards, and helps to stop the aircraft. Of course, putting on the brakes helps as well! 

 

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