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Short-Field Takeoff

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Takeoff in shortest distance possible.

Necessary skill to operate from small airports.

  1. "Short" runways: Temperature, payload, obstacle, surface
  2. POH: Numbers, technique
  3. Full-length runway
  4. Brakes / Full power
  5. Climb airspeed
  6. Climb-out attitude
  7. Transition to VY
  1. Taxi to very start of runway end
  2. Hold brakes
  3. Full takeoff power / confirm
  4. Accelerate: Weight just off nosewheel
  5. Rotate smoothly at rotation speed: 49 knots
  6. Pitch for VX pitch attitude
  7. Climbout at checklist speed: 58 knots
  8. Over obstacle, >60 knots: Flaps 10°
  9. 70 knots, positive rate: Flaps up
  10. Accelerate to VY
  • Runway surface
  • Stalls
  • Crosswinds
  • Obstacles
  • Emergencies
  • Not using entire runway
  • Not trimming for takeoff
  • Premature/late lift-off
  • Excessive forward pressure
  • Inability to maintain climb speed
  • Premature flap retraction
  • Fixation on airspeed indicator
  • Airspeed +10/-5 knots

References