You’re sitting in 14B. The plane is idling on the taxiway, and that distinct ding echoes through the cabin. Then comes the voice. It's usually calm. A bit gravelly, maybe. You hear something about "number three in sequence" and "flight attendants, please prepare for departure." Most of us just go back to scrolling through downloaded Netflix shows, but there is actually a high-stakes, choreographed script happening behind those cockpit doors.
What do pilots say before takeoff? It isn't just one thing. It's a layers-of-an-onion situation involving air traffic control (ATC), the cabin crew, and the passengers.
Honestly, if they didn't say these specific things, the whole system would basically fall apart. Flying a 175,000-pound metal tube into the sky requires more than just pushing a lever; it requires a verbal dance of checklists and legal clearances that keep everyone alive.
The Secret Language of the Flight Deck
Before they even talk to you, the pilots are talking to each other. A lot.
They use something called "Standard Operating Procedures" (SOPs). This isn't just corporate-speak. It’s a life-saving mechanism. One pilot—the "Pilot Flying"—will call for a checklist. The other—the "Pilot Monitoring"—reads it out.
They say things like "V1," "Rotate," and "V2."
V1 is the big one. It's the "decision speed." Once a pilot shouts "V1," that plane is going up. Even if an engine fails or a tire blows after that point, they are committed to taking off because there isn't enough runway left to stop. It's a heavy moment.
Then you have "Rotate," which is exactly what it sounds like—pulling back on the yoke to lift the nose. Finally, "V2" is the safety speed that ensures the plane can keep climbing even if something goes wrong with the power.
They also talk to ATC. You might hear snippets if you’re a radio nerd using a scanner app. "United 442, cleared for takeoff, runway 28R." The pilot repeats it back word-for-word. They have to. If they miss a single digit, the controller will bark at them to get it right. Precision is the only thing that matters when you're sharing a strip of asphalt with dozens of other jets.
Talking to the Back of the Bus
When the captain keys the mic to talk to you, they have two goals: keep you calm and keep you informed.
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Usually, they’ll start with the basics. "Good morning from the flight deck, this is Captain Miller." They’ll give you the weather at the destination—"looks like a clear 72 degrees in Phoenix"—and the estimated flight time. But the most important thing they say before takeoff is the instruction to the flight attendants.
"Flight attendants, please be seated for departure." Or sometimes, "Flight attendants, prepare for takeoff."
This is the final signal. Everything is locked. The cabin is secure. The slides are armed. It's basically the pilot saying, "We are doing this now."
Have you ever noticed the chime? That double-ding? That's often a signal between the cockpit and the crew. It’s a non-verbal way of saying "we're about to enter the active runway." It tells the crew to stop whatever they're doing—even if they're mid-sentence with a passenger about a ginger ale—and get into their jumpseats. Safety is a weirdly quiet business sometimes.
The "Silent Cockpit" Rule
There’s a rule you should know about called the "Sterile Cockpit Rule." It’s a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulation. Basically, from the moment the plane starts moving until it hits 10,000 feet, the pilots aren't allowed to talk about anything that isn't directly related to flying the plane.
No sports. No jokes about the hotel breakfast. No complaining about the schedule.
They are hyper-focused. If you hear the pilot come on the intercom while the plane is still climbing steeply, it’s usually because there’s something important, like "we've been cleared to a higher altitude" or an update on some turbulence they see on the radar. Otherwise, they stay quiet.
This rule came about because, historically, a lot of accidents happened because pilots were distracted. Now, the verbal environment is strictly controlled. What do pilots say before takeoff during this phase? Almost nothing that doesn't involve headings, altitudes, or engine gauges.
Clearing Up the "Sequence" Confusion
"We’re number four for departure."
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You’ve heard it. You're sitting on the tarmac, staring at a patch of grass, wondering why you aren't moving. When a pilot says this, they're giving you a status report from the ground controller. Large airports like O'Hare or Heathrow are like giant, slow-moving Tetris games.
The pilots are told exactly where to go in a specific order. If they miss their "slot," it can mess up the timing for arrivals too.
Sometimes, they’ll mention "flow control." This is pilot-speak for "the guys in the tower are making us wait because the sky is too crowded." It’s frustrating, but honestly, it’s better than the alternative. Pilots hate waiting as much as you do—they don't get paid for the time they spend sitting on the ground. Most airline contracts only pay pilots when the "blocks" are pulled or the engines are running.
What Happens if They Say Nothing?
Sometimes the silence is more nerve-wracking than the talking.
If you’re sitting at the gate and the pilot hasn't said a word, it usually means they’re buried in paperwork or dealing with a "maintenance write-up." Every tiny thing on a plane, from a flickering reading light to a backup hydraulic pump, has to be documented.
If they do speak up about a delay, listen for the tone. A calm pilot is a good sign. They are trained to sound like they're ordering a coffee even if they're discussing a complex mechanical issue. It’s part of the job.
Why the Pre-Flight Briefing is a Legal Requirement
It isn't just about being polite. The pilot-in-command (PIC) is legally obligated to ensure certain things are communicated. Under FAA Part 91 or Part 121, depending on the type of flight, there are specific briefings that must happen.
They have to talk about:
- Smoking (don't do it).
- Seatbelts (keep them on).
- Emergency exits (know where they are).
- Oxygen masks (put yours on first).
While the flight attendants usually handle the "safety demo," the pilots have to confirm that the cabin is ready. They’ll ask the lead flight attendant, "Is the cabin secure?" The answer is a simple "Cabin secure, Captain."
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That short exchange is the final link in the chain.
Understanding the "Final Three" Moments
Right before the engines roar, three things usually happen in quick succession.
First, the "Before Takeoff Checklist" is completed. This covers things like the flaps being set to the right angle and the transponder being turned on so other planes can see them on radar.
Second, they get the "Line Up and Wait" or "Cleared for Takeoff" instruction.
Third, the pilot will usually make one last call to the crew: "Cabin crew, take your seats."
When you hear that last one, look out the window. You'll see the wing flaps adjusted, and within about 30 seconds, you’ll feel that familiar push back into your seat.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Next Flight
If you want to feel more in control the next time you're on a plane, pay attention to the specific phrasing. It tells you exactly what's happening.
- Listen for "V1" (if you're close enough to the cockpit): This is the point of no return. The plane is flying, no matter what.
- Watch for the "Double Ding": This usually means the pilots have been cleared to the runway. It’s your cue to put the phone away.
- Notice the "Sterile Cockpit": If the plane is taxiing or climbing and you don't hear from the captain, don't worry. It means they are following safety protocols and focusing on the flight path.
- Identify the "Sequence": When they say they are "number five," look out the window. You can usually see the four planes ahead of you. It makes the wait feel a lot shorter when you can actually see the line moving.
Next time you hear that voice over the speakers, you'll know it's not just a friendly "hello." It's a highly regulated, safety-critical script designed to get you from point A to point B without a hitch. The "pilot voice" is iconic for a reason—it’s the sound of someone following a very strict plan.
Practical Step: If you're nervous about flying, download an app like "LiveATC" before your next trip. You can listen to the actual conversations between pilots and the tower at your specific airport. Hearing how calm and routine the process is can be incredibly grounding. You'll realize that what do pilots say before takeoff is a routine they've practiced thousands of times, making your flight just another Tuesday at the office for them.