John Deakin's Article
Have to agree with Tinstaafl that this article is more than a bit wobbly.
He seems to be confused about a few things.
Firstly, a rolling start will give you quicker acceleration than the training method of stand on the brakes and feed in full power. On reasonably wide strips, you should start these from the 'downwind' corner, heading slightly toward the upwind side of the runway. You'll be 10kts ahead of the traditional method at any given distance.
He never mentions load anywhere. Why not dump some weight if the strip is so short?
His suggestions for full flap t/o, followed by a gradual change in configuration and acceleration at 6 inches height - leaves one thinking it's again test pilot stuff. One change in the wind gradient and JD is history!
As for leaving the aircraft on the ground beyond when it will fly - this is contrary to all we know about drag and also u/c damage. It will accelerate faster if airborne, all other things being equal. If the strip is at all rough, the less time the wheels are rolling - the better.
All in all - the article does more to confuse than clarify, and I can't say that I'd be recommending it to any student as background reading on short field operations. About the best thing he suggests is to find yourself an experienced bush instructor to learn this sort of stuff.
happy days,