In case you guys were wondering, here's my routine for every takeoff and landing:
If you're in the window seat, you can estimate a good guess of the takeoff roll just by looking out the window. As the aircraft speeds down the runway, note the large numeral signs on the edge, usually on the left side. (Not the ones painted on the runway - that's the runway heading!) Each one is placed 1000 feet apart and tells the captain at a glance how many feet remain to the end of the runway. Most aircraft will lift off the ground using only about half the distance of the runway or less.
Pilots during takeoff recite these mandatory calls during the takeoff roll:
'80 knots' - The minimum speed at which the flight controls become effective; nosewheel steering deactivates.
'V-one' - The decision speed. Beyond this point, the aircraft must take off, since there's not enough runway left to stop.
'Rotate' - The aircraft begins to raise the nose and take flight.
'Positive rate, gear up' - Once a positive rate of climb is established, the landing gear is raised and climb speed is established.
Another good way to check distances is by looking at the runway markings - each one is placed 500 feet apart. The solid rectangular block is called the touchdown point, and is the desired place for aircraft to land.
And I'm also a certifiable airplane geek - I log my flights in a pilot's logbook!
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