In brief
- It may feel like the plane drops after takeoff for several reasons, including thrust reduction, pitch change, and wing reshaping (known as cleanup)
- The “drop” occurs on every flight shortly after takeoff, which means you can plan for it
- The plane doesn’t actually drop at all, it’s your vestibular system playing tricks on you
- The feeling of falling is temporary and normal – there’s nothing wrong with the flight!
Why the feeling of falling is scary
Feeling like your plane experiences a short drop after takeoff is completely normal and is caused by routine parts of flying, including thrust reduction, pitch change, and wing reshaping (known as cleanup).
It may feel like the plane loses power or drops suddenly, but that’s because the movement can feel exaggerated if you’re already feeling anxious.
In truth, the plane never loses altitude at all. Instead, the angle of ascent changes from a steep takeoff to a more gradual angle as you climb to cruising altitude.
Understanding what causes this feeling of dropping and when it can occur can reduce anxiety – and we’ll show you how.
Why does it feel like the plane drops after takeoff?
So, we’ve explained that the drop you feel isn’t really a drop – instead, it’s your vestibular system playing a trick on you.
The vestibular system is what helps you maintain a sense of balance. It’s made up of a series of structures inside the ears that help you to stay oriented.
When you fly, the vestibular system can be affected, causing problems like the dropping sensation you can feel on takeoff.
The feeling like dropping is known to scientists and researchers as a vestibular illusion. The plane isn’t actually dropping at all. Instead, your vestibular system can be “easily be deceived by aerial dynamics and gravity changes,” say experts
What causes the feeling of dropping on a plane?
We now know that the dropping feeling is a vestibular illusion, but that doesn’t mean it’s not real. We all feel it because something (or several things) are changing our position and speed in the air – and here’s why.
When planes takeoff, they want to leave the ground – and the airport – as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Engines are powered up and thrust is high. As the plane leaves the ground, the angle of ascent is steep. Once the plane has left the ground and reached around 1000 feet, pilots will do three things:
- Power down the engines
- Change the angle of ascent
- Change the shape of the wing
These three things can all lead you to feel like the plane is dropping (but as we’ve explained, isn’t!).
Here’s what the pilots are doing and the impact on the plane (and the passengers inside).
#1: Thrust reduction – Powering down the engines
Once the plane is in the air, the pilots pull back engine power from maximum takeoff thrust to standard climb power. This helps to save fuel and reduce noise.
Plane engines work more efficiently at altitude and need less power.
Powering down the engines can be felt by passengers, like a drop.
#2: Pitch change – Changing the angle of as
As well as reducing thrust power, after takeoff, pilots will change the angle of climb from a steep angle to a gentle, steady angle.
This, in combination with powering down the engines, can lead to a feeling of dropping.
#3: Wing cleanup – Changing the shape of the wing
Pilots use wing flaps to slightly alter the shape of the wing to help takeoff.
When the plane is in the air and the plane increases in speed, the wing flaps and slats are retracted. This can also lead to a feeling of dropping.
How to deal with the drop after takeoff?
Feeling like the plane is dropping is a normal part of every flight – and it’s something that you can plan and prepare for.
This article should help you understand what’s going on. Instead of approaching flights with fear, you’re now armed with knowledge, and that can be powerful.
Now, you won’t perceive the drop as dangerous, but instead take it as a sign that your plane trip is going as planned.
When you roll down the runway, tell yourself:
- The angle of ascent will change
- The engines will power down…
- The wing shape will change…
…all of this is normal and shows my flight is going as planned
Preparation and planning for something can reduce flying anxiety
It’s also useful to have breathing exercises planned if you find takeoff stressful. You can learn about several breathing strategies in our guide.
Nervous flyers should check out the Help Desk and download the Calm Flight Toolkit for some pre-flight reading and in-flight relaxation.
Next time you’re preparing for takeoff, remind yourself that the plane isn’t dropping. It’s simply changing speed and direction. It’s a normal part of every flight and it’s a sign that everything is going OK.
Please share this article with anyone who might benefit from it.
FAQs
Yes, the feeling like the plane is dropping after takeoff is completely normal. It’s caused by the engines powering down, the wing being reshaped for the stage of flight and the change in angle of ascent. There’s nothing to be worried about if the plane feels like it’s dropping. (And remember, it’s not really dropping!)
Understanding what causes the feeling of dropping is often enough to remove the fear. When you know what’s happening, you can rationally tick off the stages. Of course, it won’t remove the feeling, but your brain is more likely to acknowledge the feeling and let it pass without increasing anxiety.
Breathing exercises, too, can help you prepare for the intense sounds and sensations of takeoff.
The plane doesn’t drop at all. Your vestibular system interprets the changes in engine thrust, wing shape and climb angle as a drop.
Turbulence during takeoff may also cause the plane to drop, but this isn’t dangerous.
The drop you feel shortly after takeoff isn’t normally caused by turbulence. However, low-level turbulence can cause the plane to feel like it’s dropping. You may experience both – a drop caused by the changes to flight conditions and turbulence. Neither is dangerous to the plane or passengers on board.
