Commercial airline pilot reveals why the plane feels like it's sinking after takeoff
Published on Aug 10, 2025 at 8:20 AM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Aug 07, 2025 at 12:42 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
This commercial airline pilot has revealed why the plane feels like it’s sinking after takeoff.
Have you ever had that sinking feeling shortly after a plane departs from the airport?
It’s enough to make even the most seasoned flyer feel a little queasy.
Captain Steve, a pilot and YouTuber, has explained why this happens.
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Commercial airline pilot explains why the plane feels like it’s sinking after takeoff
Very few people enjoy the feeling of a plane taking off.
It’s not uncommon for people to be gripping their armrests during this pivotal moment in a flight.
But then comes something just as unnerving – the feeling that the plane is dropping about a minute later.
Why does this happen?

YouTuber and commercial airline pilot Captain Steve had the answer.
“It’s because I’m retracting the flaps [on the wings],” he explained.
“Sometimes it’s because I’ve got what’s called a noise abatement procedure.
“Some high-density areas where rich people live, they’ll make a fuss and will want you to take off at a certain steep angle.
“And once you get over their houses, they want you to pull the power back.
“[The passengers] are in no peril at all.”
It’s not a nice experience, perhaps, but it should be of no concern to flyers.

“When I get to that point in the climb where I begin to retract the flaps, the power goes from takeoff power to climb-off power, which is a reduced power setting,” he continued.
“So you hear it first, you feel it a little bit in your seat.
“That’s an uncomfortable feeling, you think you’re dropping, but you’re actually accelerating.”
Getting an insight into the behind-the-scenes of an airplane
We’ve learned a lot from pilots over the years, including details that we passengers usually wouldn’t be privy to.
One pilot explained why anyone capable of driving a car would be able to fly a plane.

Another pilot lifted the lid on how much he earns each year, while a third divulged about a strict rest rule all pilots have to follow.
But some inside details passengers do get to hear – like when this Delta pilot made an unexpected announcement about getting home to his chickens.
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