Definition
In flight training, a foundational block of learning made up of the closely related skills required to depart from and return to the runway safely. It groups together the coordinated handling of pitch, power, airspeed, and directional control during the ground roll, lift-off, climb-out, approach, flare, touchdown, and roll-out phases of flight.
Plain English
The set of skills a student pilot needs to get the airplane off the ground and back onto it safely. Instructors usually teach these together because the same control habits underpin both.
Context Anchor
Seen in flight training syllabi, lesson plans, and instructor discussions as a major skill area for student pilots.
Why Pilots Care
Most accidents occur during these phases, so they receive focused practice and are used to measure both training progress and pilot currency.
Intuition Check
Do not think of takeoffs and landings as only two brief moments. In aviation training, the term covers the whole operation around leaving the ground and returning to it safely.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor scheduled three lessons focused on takeoffs and landings before introducing cross-country planning.
Example Sentence 2
A pilot needs three takeoffs and landings within the last ninety days to carry passengers.