How to Take Off in a Cessna 150

If you dream of flying an airplane, check out your local small airports to see what the cost is per hour of lesson time. With between 40 and 60 hours of practice time, you can qualify for your private pilot certificate. With that in hand, the sky is the limit--literally. One of the most common airplanes on which to learn is the Cessna 150. Cessna made this model a lot in the late 1960s, and you will likely take your lessons in one. Read on to learn how to take off in a Cessna 150.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Finish your pre-flight check, and radio the tower that you are going to be heading to the taxiway. Taxi slowly into waiting position, watching carefully for other airplanes.

2. Do a "run up" as your instructor supervises. Check the operation of ailerons, horizontal and vertical stabilizers and the rudder.

3. When you are cleared by the tower to take off, taxi into position, lining up the nose of your airplane with the center line of the runway.

4. Check for traffic--ground and air--that could possibly interfere with your take-off. Radio the tower when you are ready to begin your take-off roll.

5. Push the throttle all the way in, in one smooth, fluid motion. Do not jam it in suddenly. Hold the nose steady so that, as the plane picks up speed, you stay on the center line of the runway. The Cessna is a very light, very responsive airplane, so you will notice that it tends to lift off rather quickly.

6. Begin to pull the steering yoke back gently as you get near take-off speed, around 60 miles per hour, depending on that day's air temperature. You will feel the nose start to lift up as you do so. Maintain steady pressure until the plane eases itself into the air.

7. Level off when at the desired altitude, radio the tower which way you are heading, and fly off into the sky.

Tips & Warnings

• Air temperature affects the handling of the airplane, especially one as small as the Cessna 150. Hot days have thinner air, so the plane requires a longer take-off roll. Conversely, cold days have relatively thicker air, so the take-off roll is shorter.
• While on the ground, you steer the plane with the rudder pedals, as they also control the front wheel. Once you are in the air, they control the rudder to help you move the plane from side to side. You need to use the steering yoke to tilt the plane left or right, however.
• This article in no way replaces your need to go to classes, study the manual, and learn the technique from a qualified instructor.
• Watch your air speed once you are in the air. The plane will "stall"--lose lift and begin to fall--if you are at or below the "stall speed." Check your manual for that information.

Resources

• Description of Flying Experience
• Good Primer Filled With Common Questions and Answers