For taking-off and landing in a DHC-7, what elements can be used in writing a novel?
(wikipedia.org) Viewing the full resolution image from the link might help you notice things to use.


Steering the yoke right and left controls the aircraft's roll. Pulling/pushing the control column controls the aircraft's pitch (nose up/down).
Radio altimeter is used in landing, it offers precise measurement of height above ground.
Landing gear lever, down is wheels down.
Airspeed indicator shows how fast the plane is going. 12 o'clock position, not going anywhere. Moves clockwise with speed increase.
Flaps lever: fully down for take-off/landing from short field.
Power levers: push away from you, full power. Pull all the way back, full reverse, which is useful in stopping the plane especially on ice. Don't use the brakes in your novel if the runway is icy.
Trim wheel: pilot will use it to fine tune the approach. And after take-off to make pulling the control column easier. You can watch it on YouTube (head-mounted GoPro).