Ac for short field takeoff / ldg
 

Hi All,

I'm hoping you can help - what sort of aircraft commonly used in the UK would be able to easily get into and out of a grass strip, about 1600 - 1700 ft (~500m) long?

Thanks,

SBW

Quite a few, I've regularily flown a C172 out of that sort of length.....

As said, C172 should do fine provided you have satisfactory obstacle clearance in runway heading in direction of takeoff and you have some experience with the aircraft. But if you want to be really comfortable, I'd go with something in the tailwheel category...

Offhand,

Just about any microlight although I'd probably steer clear of the Chevvron or Jabiru for short grass strips.

C150, C152, F172, CH701, Escapade (group A or microlight versions are basically the same), Streak Shadow, Piper Cub (any version), Aeronca (just about anything).

Basically look for something with a stall speed under 50kn and power/weight in the order of 0.12 hp/kg or better (this is just from a back of envelope sum, and doesn't have any rigorous justification).

Aeroplanes I'd personally avoid for regular use from a short grass strip - most PA28s, underpowered heavy vintage aeroplanes (they'll land in it okay but can struggle to get out again), PA38, anything resembling a motorglider. Basically aeroplanes with small engines and/or small wheels.

High wings are probably slightly better for short field landings - they tend to float a bit less in ground effect.

G

And mow the strip regularly - it makes a measurable difference.

I agree, but most PA28 are well off the ground by 500 meter. The main issue is obstacle clearence and this makes some 600 meter airfields worse than a 500 meter one.

I disagree with Genghis on one choice in his list, and that is the C-152. They can have quite different short field performance than the 150, or others on the list. A "Sparrowhawk" modified 152 would be a very good choice though.

If choosing a 172 or 182, look for one post 1974 in model year, they had a different airfoil from the factory, which very much improved short field performance. This change did not occur on the 150/152.

Note that the 150 and 172 have a range of approved prop pitches. Assure that the aircraft you choose has a prop pitched to its fine limit "climb prop". This can be done at prop overhaul, and will make a big difference compared to a "cruise prop".

A Short Take Off & Landing (STOL) kit is an excellent investment on any of the common 100 series Cessnas, and will dramtically improve and reassure operations in short runways. Be prepared to work on your piloting skills though, the techniques are different from those commonly taught.

Strange way of phrasing the question. Are you asking what is available to buy in the UK which would meet your criteria, or what there is to rent? Two different questions with two different answers. If you are buying how much do you want to pay? Many of the modern plastic fantastics will give good cruise but also short field. So will older designs such as have already been mentioned. The Chipmunk is an example and I believe the Jodels are also quite good; the Cub has already been mentioned. 500 metres will be marginal for some aircraft with tired engines or too much fuel or too big a passenger aboard but ok one up, light fuel and/or good engine.

You really need to say what sort of flying you want to do. If you aim to fly from a strip with the wife and kids regualarly then your options will be somewhat more limited.

Thanks for the ideas - I'm working on a project that involves a small airstrip with a runway of that length, and I am curious as to what sort of aircraft could be safely taken into a field that size (obstacle clearance is not a problem on approach/departure).

Generally the aircraft will be flown with no more than 2 pax, but do any aircraft spring to mind as being suitable if more pax were to be carried?

Thanks,

SBW

A wilga would do it:ok:

Maybe you should be a little more specific.

How many seats?

Tailwheel or nosewheel?

Load carrying?

Certified or not?

Metal or fabric?

There are plenty that will do the job, but maybe a much shorter list of those that will meet your specific questions.

For me mention short field (and I mean even really short, long wet grass, whatever you like) and it has to be a Husky. Great aircraft. Not much good if there are three of you or you want metal.

C180/185 with STOL kit, and my all time favourite the DO-27!

Cessna FR172K

We had one at our club for a while; it got in and out of Henham Park with 4 average size people, and nearly full fuel!

Saw one of those last week, it looks like some sort of dinosaur! Also, it's quite a climb into it.

A helicopter.......!

I've not flown one but the Robin DR 400 seems to get peoples vote as one of the best load lifters which does not hog runway; otherwise a C182.

Get an Auster, classic tail dragger it will get in and out with ease,fly on a permit cheap to buy and fairly so to run.

Try this


TenBars

Cub
Husky
Citabria
Wilga (someone has already mentioned this interesting beast)
172SP/182
The vast majority of VLA/LSA

Avoid

PA28s (most of them)
TB9/10/20/21
AA5 (you might get away with a Tiger)
Jabiru