Definition
The continuous flight path of an airplane from the start of the takeoff roll through liftoff, initial climb, and up to the point where the airplane reaches a defined altitude or completes the climb-out segment. It includes the ground roll, rotation, lift-off, and the climb to a specified height above the takeoff surface.
Plain English
The whole path the airplane travels during takeoff -- from the moment it starts rolling, through getting into the air, and up to a set height above the ground.
Context Anchor
Used when planning and performing a takeoff, especially from a soft field where the airplane may lift off before it is ready to climb strongly.
Why Pilots Care
Determines whether the aircraft can safely clear obstacles on or near the runway during soft-field takeoffs.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a takeoff path as only the line along the runway or field. It also includes where the airplane goes after liftoff during the first part of the climb.
Example Sentence 1
On a soft-field takeoff, the pilot manages the takeoff path by lifting off at the lowest possible airspeed and then accelerating in ground effect before climbing.
Example Sentence 2
Performance data confirmed the airplane could maintain the required takeoff path with the remaining runway length available.