The Critical Role of Pilot Hands During Takeoffs and Landings

In Hollywood dramas and many fictional depictions, pilots are portrayed maneuvering aircraft with a single hand, which is a far cry from the stringent safety protocols followed in commercial airlines. During critical stages of flight, like takeoffs and landings, the proper positioning of the pilots' hands can mean the difference between a safe journey and a dangerous emergency.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Pilot Control of the Aircraft

Most commercial airlines adhere to strict SOPs that mandate both pilots to maintain proper control of the aircraft during takeoffs and landings. On most commercial airlines, the First Officer is the one who must have both hands on the controls, including both feet on the rudder pedals, when it's their turn to make the takeoff. During the approach and landing phase, the pilot at the controls will typically keep one hand on the throttles or power levers while using the other hand on the yoke or control stick. This dual control ensures that the pilots can make split-second decisions if needed.

The GO/NO GO Decision: The Captain's Role

At the critical point of takeoff, the Captain plays a crucial role. Equipped with the necessary experience and training, the Captain remains the key decision-maker during the GO/NO GO phase, which is defined by the airspeed at which the decision to continue with the takeoff or to reject it is made. This specific airspeed is known as “V1”, which is the decision speed for a rejected takeoff. The First Officer, the pilot not flying, will call out “V1” as a verbal reminder during the takeoff roll.

If the airplane has not yet reached V1, the Captain can still abort the takeoff by applying reverse thrust with their right hand. This action, combined with the immediate application of autobrakes, gives the Captain the necessary time to bring the aircraft to a safe stop. After V1, however, there is no time to stop—the aircraft must continue its takeoff to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew.

Coordination During Takeoffs and Landings

During standard operation, the First Officer will take over the control of the throttles or power levers after the Captain retracts the landing gear, assuming the aircraft has reached the “positive rate of climb.” In the event of an engine failure during takeoff, the control is often handed over to the Captain, who will manage the emergency approach and landing. Both situations are thoroughly practiced in flight simulators to ensure that the crew is well-prepared for any contingencies that might arise.

Conclusion

The proper use of hands and controls during critical phases of flight is not just a best practice; it's a safety imperative. Understanding the SOPs and the roles of the Captain and First Officer during takeoffs and landings is crucial for the safe operation of commercial airlines.