When does the take-off process typically begin?

The take-off process typically begins when the aircraft is aligned on the runway for departure. This stage is crucial as it indicates that the aircraft is ready to initiate its take-off sequence. Alignment on the runway signifies that all pre-flight checks have been completed, and it is now time for the aircraft to accelerate and lift off the ground. This moment marks the transition from the taxiing phase to the actual departure, as the pilots are finalizing their preparations and about to engage the throttles to initiate take-off. Other phases mentioned, like being in the air or boarding passengers, occur at different points in the flight process and do not represent the beginning of the take-off sequence.