My 02 cents:
- IMO the Maule is pretty much a technique optional airplane when it comes to the T/O. A regular tail low take off with 24 deg flaps is already so short if the field needs some sort of hero move like popping flaps to get it off, than you probably should not be trying the takeoff.
-For regular Cessna/Piper aircraft the POH recommended take off flap setting ( ie flaps 10 to 20, depending on the model for the Cessnas, one or two notches for the Pipers) and establishing a nose high takeoff attitude which has the nosewheel clear of the runway works fine. The idea that you start with no flap and then add the 10 or 20 during the takeoff run is another flight school urban myth propagated by folks who don't have any real world experience. It doesn't make any difference and distracts the pilot.
- The most important thing when dealing with soft surfaces is to have a predetermined abort point. Many pilots have run into trouble when they find the airplane will accelerate to some speed that is less than you need to lift off and then refuse to accelerate further. They continue the takeoff hoping the airplane will accelerate but it never does. if you are very proficient then going to full flaps when the airplane won't accelerate can result in the aircraft ballooning into the air. But the airplane will lift off semi stalled and some very accurate flying is needed to accelerate in ground effect while raising the flaps without stalling or sinking back onto the runway.
Last edited by Big Pistons Forever; 12th March 2013 at 23:16.