If you’ve been on a number of flights, you probably know the deal by now. But have you ever wondered what that unusual ‘sinking’ feeling actually means during take-off?
There’s a lot that happens on a flight which might leave you curious. While there’s a reason why lights are dimmed during take-off and one drink to never order on a plane, cabin crew work incredibly hard ensuring passengers are safe and comfortable.
Now when it comes to take-off, there’s quite the procedure – in case you didn’t notice with air travel. You must have your seats in the upright position and window blinds up, but have you ever noticed the unusual sensation within seconds of leaving the ground? One pilot has finally revealed what that “sinking” feeling is really about.
American Airlines Captain Steve has worked for a number of companies in his successful career and just recently kicked off a Q&A session with his 405,000 TikTok followers.
Someone recently asked: “Why does the plane sometimes feel like it’s sinking about a minute into take-off?”
In a video, which garnered 35,400 likes and hundreds of comments, he told fans it’s all to do with retracting the flaps.
He explained: “Now sometimes it’s because I’ve got what is called the noise abatement procedure.
“Some high density areas where rich people live might make a fuss and when you watch it at take-off at a certain steep angle and then once you get over their houses, they want you to pull the power back.
“When I do get to that point in the climb where I begin to retract the flaps, the power goes from take-off power to climb power.
“This is a reduced power setting so you hear it first, feel it a little in your seat and then the nose starts to come over at the same time I’m trying to retract the flaps so the plane pedals a little bit – that’s an uncomfortable feeling.”
Captain Steve assured fans there’s nothing ever to worry about when you get that unusual feeling in your seat.
He concluded: “It’s because I’m accelerating at this point so it’s a weird sensation and think you’re dropping when you’re actually accelerating.”
Typically the noise abatement procedure involves altering an aircraft’s standard flight patch or operations to minimise noise impact on communities near an airport.
It happens – like Steve explained – by using the flap retraction and climbing steeper to gain altitude quickly, meaning it reduces noise for residents on the ground.
Many people were left amazed by the clear explanation as one said: “What a wonderful pilot.”
And a second admitted: “It’s the worst feeling. I have to close my eyes and block my ears as it’s too overwhelming.”
While a third chimed in: “I always hold my breath when this happens. I will never get used to it.”