For light aircraft, full power is used during takeoff. Large transport category (airliner) aircraft will usually use a derated power takeoff, where less than full power is applied, with unneeded power held in reserve in case of emergency. Before takeoff, the engines, particularly piston engines, are routinely run up at high power to check for engine-related problems. The aircraft is permitted to accelerate to rotation speed (often referred to as Vr). The term rotation is used because the aircraft pivots around the axis of its main landing gear while still on the ground, usually due to manipulation of the flight controls to make this change in aircraft attitude.

The nose is raised to a nominal 5°–20° nose up pitch attitude to increase lift from the wings and effect liftoff. Many aircraft will take flight even if rotation is never made, when the wings have created sufficient lift to overcome the weight of the aircraft and begin a climb, even without flight control inputs.

A hot air balloon takes off from Royal Victoria Park, Bath, England.

A Boeing 737 in Ryanair livery takes off from Bristol International Airport, England.

Airplanes designed for high-speed operation (such as commercial jet aircraft) have difficulty generating enough lift at the (comparatively) low speeds encountered during takeoff. These are therefore fitted with high-lift devices, often including slats and usually flaps, which increase the camber of the wing, making it more effective at low speed, thus creating more lift. These are deployed from the wing prior to takeoff, and retracted during the climb. They can also be deployed at other times, such as prior to landing.

The speeds needed for takeoff are relative to the motion of the air (indicated airspeed). A headwind will reduce the ground speed needed for takeoff, as there is a greater flow of air over the wings. Typical takeoff air speeds for jetliners are in the 130–155 knot range (150–180 mph, 250–290 km/h). Light aircraft, such as a Cessna 150, take off at around 55 knots (63 mph, 100 km/h). Ultralights have even lower takeoff speeds. The take off speed is directly proportional to the aircraft weight; the heavier the weight, the greater the speed needed. Some aircraft specifically designed for short takeoff and landing can take off at speeds below 40 knots (74 km/h), and can even become airborne from a standing start when pointed into a sufficiently strong wind.

An airplane uses taxiways to taxi from one place on an airport to another, for example: when moving from a terminal to the runway, or along the runway during take-off.

The thrust to propel the aircraft forward comes from its propellers or jet engines. Steering is achieved by turning a nose wheel or tail wheel/rudder; the pilot controlling the direction travelled with their feet. Braking is controlled by differential toe or heel brakes. Not all aircraft have steerable wheels, and in some cases steering is solely by means of differential braking.

The aileron and elevator controls are used to prevent wind from lifting the tail or a wing.

The use of engine thrust near terminals is restricted due to the possibilty of jet blast damage.

Helicopters with skids must hover taxi, while those with wheels may taxi on the ground. Rotor downwash limits hover-taxiing near parked light aircraft.