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Elevator on takeoff roll

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Student Pilot

I had one instructor tell me to leave the elevator neutral on the takeoff roll until ready to rotate, but another told me to hold slight up-elevator so the plane will fly itself off when it's ready. What's your suggestion? Assume no wind or headwind.

Thanks, Jeff H

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1 Answers



  1. KDS on Feb 11, 2020

    It depends on the aircraft and the type of takeoff you are making (short-field, soft-field, or normal). For GA aircraft, there is often a range mark for the trim.

    Assuming a tricycle gear aircraft, I just apply enough pressure to keep the yoke in my hand.

    There is an old joke in aviation that says when all else fails, use the checklist. The parallel to that is when all else fails, go to the book. In this case, the Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3B. In Chapter 5 under Normal Takeoff, it says:

    In nose-wheel type airplanes, pressures on the elevator control are not necessary beyond those needed to steady it. Applying unnecessary pressure only aggravates the takeoff and prevents the pilot from recognizing when elevator control pressure is actually needed to establish the takeoff attitude.

    Regardless of what is written in that book, if the aircraft flight manual says something different, then take the flight manual as the guidance.

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