Definition
A standard checklist phase covering the actions a pilot performs once the airplane is safely climbing away from the runway, typically including retracting the landing gear and flaps, adjusting climb power, and confirming engine instruments are within normal limits.
Plain English
The set of tasks a pilot completes in the first part of the climb, just after leaving the ground, to clean up the airplane and get it settled into a steady climb.
Context Anchor
Seen on airplane checklists, especially the checklist flow used right after leaving the runway and establishing the climb.
Why Pilots Care
Completing these items prevents configuration errors such as leaving the gear down or flaps extended, which can reduce climb performance or create handling problems during the critical initial climb.
Intuition Check
Do not read after takeoff as the instant the wheels leave the runway. In checklist use, it means the airplane is safely airborne and the pilot has enough control and time to confirm the next required items.
Example Sentence 1
Once established in the climb at 500 feet, the pilot ran the After Takeoff checklist and retracted the flaps.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot completed the after takeoff items while climbing through 500 feet and turned crosswind.