Blog 6: My First Takeoff and Landing – A Student Pilot’s Perspective

“There’s a moment during your first takeoff when the ground falls away and the sky accepts you. From that point on, you’re no longer a passenger — you’re a pilot in training.”— Aalisha, Student Pilot | Princeton Flying School

Introduction: Anticipation and Adrenaline

Before my first flight lesson, I had read everything I could about takeoffs and landings. I had watched YouTube tutorials, reviewed diagrams in the FAA’s Airplane Flying Handbook, and even practiced on my simulator at home. But nothing — absolutely nothing — compared to the moment my instructor said, “You have the controls.”

Here’s my honest, detailed experience of what it was like to perform a takeoff and landing for the very first time, as well as what I learned, what went wrong, and how I’m becoming a better pilot because of it.

Preflight Inspection: The Calm Before the Climb

We began the day with a thorough preflight inspection. My instructor taught me how to check oil levels, fuel quantity, flight control surfaces, pitot tubes, and the general airworthiness of our Cessna 172. The inspection was methodical — like a ritual that grounds you before flight.

Checklist Highlights:

• Oil: Minimum 5 quarts (ours had 6.5)

• Fuel sample: Clear, blue 100LL, no water

• Control surfaces: Free and correct

• Tires, brakes, and nosewheel: Good inflation

Starting Up and Taxiing

Inside the cockpit, I followed the engine start checklist: fuel selector on both, throttle cracked open, mixture rich, and master switch on. When the engine roared to life, I felt my first rush of adrenaline.

Taxiing to the runway required more coordination than expected. Using rudder pedals and toe brakes to control the direction while maintaining a safe taxi speed was more challenging than I imagined. My CFI reminded me gently: “Keep your heels on the floor. Tap with your toes.”

Run-Up and Takeoff Briefing

Before entering the runway, we stopped for a run-up. This includes magneto checks, carb heat functionality, and verifying all engine instruments are in the green.

Then came the takeoff briefing:

• Runway: 10

• Rotation speed: 55 KIAS

• Climb out: Vy = 74 KIAS

• Abort plan: If engine fails below 1000 AGL, land straight ahead

Takeoff: That First Moment of Flight

We lined up on the runway. My CFI set the throttle to full power, then guided my right hand to the yoke and left hand to the throttle. “Maintain centerline. You’ll feel the plane start to lift around 55 knots.”

I watched the airspeed indicator climb. At 55 KIAS, I applied gentle back pressure. The nose lifted, the wheels left the ground, and suddenly we were airborne. For the first time in my life, I had lifted a plane off the ground. The feeling was indescribable.

Climbout and Pattern Entry

We climbed out at Vy, watching engine temperatures and RPMs. As we turned crosswind, I leveled off and trimmed for cruise climb. We then turned onto downwind for left traffic — a simulated pattern setup so I could prepare for my first approach and landing.

Key Takeoff Lessons:

• Use right rudder! Left-turning tendencies are real.

• Keep the nose on the horizon during rotation — avoid over-rotating

• Trim during climb to relieve back pressure

Approach and Landing: The Real Challenge

Landing is where student pilots face their biggest hurdle. After entering the downwind leg, I made the radio call, pulled carb heat, reduced throttle to 1500 RPM, and began the descent checklist.

Landing Setup:

• On downwind abeam the numbers: Reduce power, 10° flaps

• Base leg: Add flaps to 20°, keep 70 KIAS

• Final: Full flaps, 65 KIAS, align with runway centerline

On final approach, my hands were sweating. The controls felt mushy with full flaps, and the aircraft started to sink too fast. My CFI calmly guided me: “Add a little power, don’t chase the glidepath.”

The Flare and Touchdown

At about 10 feet above the runway, I began the flare — pulling back slowly to arrest descent. I ballooned slightly, then settled down, and the wheels squeaked as we touched down. It wasn’t perfect, but it was safe — and mine.

Post-Landing Tips:

• Keep back pressure on the yoke — don’t relax too soon

• Use rudder to maintain centerline while braking gently

• Don’t try to force the landing — let the plane settle

Debrief and What I Learned

We taxied back to the ramp and shut down. My instructor walked me through everything that went well and what to work on. Here’s what I took away:

• Be gentle — overcontrolling is common

• Practice the pattern in your head and simulator

• Trim is your best friend — it makes everything easier

Resources That Helped Me

• FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (Ch. 5–7)

• Sporty’s Takeoff & Landing Series

• Boldmethod’s Visual Landing Tutorials

Final Thoughts: My Wings Took Shape

Your first takeoff and landing change you. You begin to realize that flying is not just a skill — it’s a mindset. With every flight, I feel more in control, more connected, and more excited for what lies ahead. If you're a new student pilot, know this: the nerves will fade, but the wonder never will.

🛩️ Safe landings,

Aalisha

Student Pilot | Drone Certified

Future PPL | Aviation Blogger