The control surfaces on wings and tail that are controlled by the yoke, the ailerons and elevators, are much, much less effective at the slower speeds of approach than in cruise so the yoke or stick needs to be moved more to control the aircraft.

To an observer in the cockpit or a passenger watching a flight deck video, it can appear that pilots are "rowing" or aggressively oscillating the yoke during takeoff, but these movements are actually precise, rapid corrections to maintain the aircraft's intended path. During the takeoff roll and the initial climb, the aircraft is transitioning from a ground vehicle to a flying machine, making it highly susceptible to external forces like crosswinds, gusts, and wake turbulence. Pilots move the yoke—which controls the ailerons for roll and the elevators for pitch—to counteract these forces instantly. For example, if a gust of wind lifts the left wing, the pilot must quickly turn the yoke to the right to keep the wings level. On aircraft with mechanical or "hydro-mechanical" linkages (like many Boeings), these movements are very visible because the yoke is directly connected to the control surfaces. In contrast, on "Fly-by-Wire" aircraft (like most Airbus models), the side-stick might move less because computers help smooth out the inputs, but the pilot is still making constant adjustments. Furthermore, as the plane accelerates, the "feel" and effectiveness of the controls change, requiring the pilot to stay "ahead of the airplane" by making small, frequent inputs to ensure a smooth and safe rotation into the air.