Can anyone tell me what effect the use of 2 stages of flap is likely to have on take off distance
As a general rule, flap allows you to rotate at a slower speed, which has the effect of reducing the ground roll.
However, the extra drag from the flap will reduce climb performance. (Remember that an aircraft climbs because it has more thrust than drag - so any extra drag reduces the amount of thrust available to climb with.) Which is why many aircraft's POH give the option of different amount of flaps depending on whether there are obstacles at the end of the short field (use less flap) or not (use more flap).
The POH in my PA28 says absolutely nothing about short field take off
Strange - I'm sure mine does, but as I said, it's been a little while since I last looked. I'm pretty sure it suggests 2 stages of flap and a lower rotate speed..... but maybe my memory has failed me?
FFF
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