Takeoff from a Short Field
How to take off from a Short Field in a C172 as done in the African Bush.
Steps
- Try to use all the runway possible by positioning the plane right at the very beginning of the runway.
- Set your feet on the brakes and use full throttle.
- Let the engine warm up if needed (for optimum temperature) and set mixture for max RMP.
- Allow the flaps to stay retracted for minimum drag!
- Stick back, so that elevators are deflected approximately the same angle as the maximum aileron deflection.
- Release brakes and accelerate. Once nose wheel is of the ground set flaps approx to 20°. (Good if you have manual ones)
- Firmly get the plane off the ground with a yank at the controls. You probably hear the stall warning here.
- Stick immediately forward while still in ground effect range (1/2 wingspan) and continue to hold it in ground effect.
- Speed up while still in ground effect. If speed is sufficient to fly outside of Ground effect, climb and retract flaps as usual.
Warnings
- You do this on your own risk. This is not usual procedure, but will get you into the air as fast as possible. Train with an experienced pilot who has done this before.
