To get a massive aircraft off the ground, a pilot must increase Thrust to build up airspeed. As the plane speeds down the runway, air flows faster over the wings, increasing Lift. Once the lift force exceeds the airplane's Weight, the pilot pulls back on the yoke to deflect the Elevators, pointing the nose up. This increase in the "angle of attack" allows the wings to catch more air and climb into the sky.
Once at a safe altitude, pilots often retract the Flaps and Slats. These are moveable panels on the edges of the wings that increase the wing's surface area and curvature. While they are essential for creating extra lift at the slow speeds required for takeoff and landing, they also create a significant amount of Drag. Retracting them allows the plane to fly more efficiently at high cruising speeds.
Landing is essentially a "controlled fall." To slow down, the pilot reduces thrust and extends the flaps to maintain lift even as the airspeed drops. Upon touchdown, many aircraft use Spoilers (panels that rise up on top of the wing) to "spoil" the remaining lift and push the plane's weight onto the wheels. Additionally, Thrust Reversers on the engines redirect airflow forward to help the airplane come to a complete stop.
Modern navigation during these phases relies heavily on the Instrument Landing System (ILS). This ground-based system sends radio beams to the aircraft, providing the pilot with precise lateral and vertical guidance. This ensures the plane stays perfectly aligned with the runway centerline and maintains a steady "glide slope" until the wheels touch the tarmac.