CalmwingThe phases of a flight, explained
Boarding
Before takeoff
What is happening. The crew checks the aircraft, the doors close and the safety video plays. The pilots go through their checklists, as on every flight.
You may notice. Announcements, a low hum or whine as the engines start, a gentle shudder when they do.
A calm thought. Everything you hear now is routine checking. This is the calmest moment to start slow breathing.
Do this now. Take three slow breaths: in for 4, out for 6. Tell a flight attendant you are nervous. They help people like you every day.
Pushback and taxi
Before takeoff
What is happening. The plane is pushed back and rolls to the runway at walking pace, then waits in line with other planes.
You may notice. Stop and go, small bumps from the pavement, squealing brakes, a whirr as the wing flaps move.
A calm thought. Slow and boring is exactly right. This is a bus ride with wings.
Do this now. Look out of the window and name five things you see.
Takeoff
First minute
What is happening. The engines spool up, the plane accelerates down the runway and lifts off after about half a minute. Takeoff is the most rehearsed moment of the flight: pilots practise an engine failure here in the simulator every year.
You may notice. A loud roar, a firm push into the seat, runway rumble, a light feeling as the wheels leave the ground, and a thump a few seconds later.
A calm thought. The push is the plane doing its job. It lasts under a minute.
Do this now. Press your back into the seat and breathe out slowly for the whole roll.
Climb
First 20 minutes
What is happening. The plane climbs in steps. Soon after takeoff the pilots reduce engine power to the climb setting. The nose lowers a little and the flaps fold away.
You may notice. The engines go quieter, a feeling of sinking (it is less push, not falling), whirring from the wings, gentle turns, popping ears, and a ding at about 10,000 feet.
A calm thought. Quieter does not mean fewer engines. It means the right power for climbing.
Do this now. Swallow or yawn to clear your ears, and keep breathing out longer than in.
Cruise
Most of the flight
What is happening. At about 35,000 feet the plane flies steady on autopilot while the pilots monitor everything. The air up here is thin and often smooth, with bumps wherever the air moves.
You may notice. A soft hum, small bumps, the seat belt sign, wings that flex, engines that change pitch, trolleys rattling.
A calm thought. Cruise is the longest, calmest, most boring part of the flight. The plane is built for exactly this.
Do this now. Keep your seat belt fastened while seated. If a bump worries you, open the bump meter and watch how small it really is.
Descent
Last 30 minutes
What is happening. The plane starts to come down 20 to 30 minutes before landing, usually in planned steps. Air nearer the ground can be bumpier. The engines idle and the plane glides.
You may notice. The engine sound changes, ears pop, you may feel light, and the wings whirr as the flaps come out.
A calm thought. Planes glide very well. A descent is a long, planned slide.
Do this now. Chew, swallow, and let each breath out be longer than the one in.
Approach and landing
Last minutes
What is happening. The landing gear comes down with a rumble and a thump, and the flaps open fully. The pilots follow a precise path to the runway. After touchdown the engines roar in reverse and the brakes slow the plane.
You may notice. Rumble and thump under the floor, rushing wind, a few bumps in the gusts, sometimes a firm touchdown, a loud roar, strong braking.
A calm thought. A firm landing is a safe landing. The plane is built to plant itself on the runway.
Do this now. Feet flat, hands on the armrests, long slow breaths out until the plane slows to a walk.
Taxi and arrival
After landing
What is happening. The plane slows to walking pace, goes to the gate and the engines shut down.
You may notice. Seat belt chimes, applause on some flights, everyone standing up too early.
A calm thought. You did a brave thing today.
Do this now. Log this flight and rate your fear. Watch how it changes over time.