Originally Posted by FlyMusic

I would watch YouTube videos on principles of flight and fear of flying videos. I find having science to support the unknown is a lot better than assuming you are sitting in some magic flying machine. Cockpit videos also help as you will see how structured and calm pilots are at all stages of flight.

Regarding noises, here are some of the ones of note:

1) Engine start: The air conditioning system will shut off and a few seconds later you will start to hear the engine begin to rotate. What is happening is a little turbine engine in the tail (APU) had been pumping air into the cabin and is now pumping air into the engine (simplified explanation). This spool up will get progrssively louder and then the engine will be rotating fast enough to be pulling enough air to introduce fuel. You will hear the light off as the fuel comes on and the engine comes alive.

After start: Depending on the aircraft you may hear some grinding noises. This is the hydraulics being pressurized. The air conditioning will come back on and the flaps will be extended which you will notice if sitting on the wing.

Takeoff: the engines will rev up slightly for a few seconds. The pilot is making sure they spun up properly. Then takeoff thrust is applied and you will be pressed into your seat. This is great fun!

Climb out: as soon as the plane has a positive climb the landing gear will come up. You will hear the retraction and might feel the doors closing. At about 1000 feet you might hear the engines spool down to climb power (not always). The plane will also climb at less of an angle. Depending on the plane'a weight and some the factors, the flaps will also be begin to be retracted.

Cruise: once at cruise the engines will spool down some more and the plane will level off. The engine sound will be less pronounced and you will hear more air flow and air conditioning noise. Expect on your long haul flights to periodically hear the engines spool up to that climb power and you will begin to climb. The aircraft will likely be to heavy to climb to its final cruise altitude in one shot and must burn off weight (as in fuel).

Decent: on decent the engines are brought back to idle and the plane pitches down. Periodically the plane will level off and the engines will spool up. The pilot might also raise the speed breaks to help slow down. These will raise from the wing and you will hear rough air and it might make minor bumpy turbulence. As you approach the airport the flaps will come back out (they will be more flap exposed on landing than takeoff) and landing gear will lower.

Landing: when the main gear touches the ground the spoilers (panels on top of wings used as air breaks) will raise again automatically. This removes the lift from the wings and puts the weight of the plane on the wheels to improve breaking and creates drag. You also might hear the engines spool way up. This is reverse thrust. A panel on the engine basically redirects the thirst forward to help slow the plane.

Welcome to the wonderful world of flying. I wonder how the Wright Brothers felt on their first flight?!