STOL Work

[Acroeric]

I was out yesterday practicing getting in and out short. We have an airfield close to my house that was all grown up so I took the tractor over and mowed a 600 ft. x 50 ft. patch. I tried to simulate my farm strip so I could see how the plane (BC12-D-85) could handle it before going into mine which has trees at the end. I have almost 1000ft so I figured if I could handle 600 mine would have an acceptable safety margin.

I did 6 or 7 takeoffs and landings and was really suprised. My average landing roll was only 350 feet. My average takeoff roll was around 400 ft. The wind was fairly calm with just a hint of a headwind when landing and a tailwind when taking off. I had about 8 gallons of fuel on board and was by myself. In addition- my airstrip is on a 4% grade, this practice strip is flat.

I had thought of adding VG's but after this I do not think I need them.

I was really amazed at the little 85 hp Tcraft getting in and out as short as it did. My 71x41 metal climb prop helps alot. I am sure others could do it shorter but I was very happy with the results. I plan to keep practicing until I can nail it 11 out of 10 times ;-)

Current schedule on my strip is sometime in 2007 I'll live my dream of landing in front of my house! Hopefully the plane will be re-usable. I'll snap some photos this evening of the places I am practicing- they look TINY from the air.

[dedrekon]

Re: STOL Work

Eric,
That's pretty much the numbers I get with mine. 600' feels very comfortable unless it's real hot. I'm about 250' above sea level here.
I'm still considering the VGs....maybe I could get that comfort level down to 450'?

OT: I've never read a single negative word here about this discussion group or the concept of the Foundation. Near as I can tell, everybody is very grateful for this Forum and in full support of the Foundation's stated mission. Any criticism I've read or made was simply about the execution of the mission or the perception of the execution of the mission (you've no doubt heard the saying that "perception IS reality").
My best friends don't agree with every word I say and visa versa, but we're still the best of friends. Sorry about momentarily hijacking your thread.


XXXXX,
V
Foundation #420

[crispy critter]

Re: STOL Work

I was out yesterday practicing getting in and out short. We have an airfield close to my house that was all grown up so I took the tractor over and mowed a 600 ft. x 50 ft. patch. I tried to simulate my farm strip so I could see how the plane (BC12-D-85) could handle it before going into mine which has trees at the end. I have almost 1000ft so I figured if I could handle 600 mine would have an acceptable safety margin.

I did 6 or 7 takeoffs and landings and was really suprised. My average landing roll was only 350 feet. My average takeoff roll was around 400 ft. The wind was fairly calm with just a hint of a headwind when landing and a tailwind when taking off. I had about 8 gallons of fuel on board and was by myself. In addition- my airstrip is on a 4% grade, this practice strip is flat.

I had thought of adding VG's but after this I do not think I need them.

I was really amazed at the little 85 hp Tcraft getting in and out as short as it did. My 71x41 metal climb prop helps alot. I am sure others could do it shorter but I was very happy with the results. I plan to keep practicing until I can nail it 11 out of 10 times ;-)

Current schedule on my strip is sometime in 2007 I'll live my dream of landing in front of my house! Hopefully the plane will be re-usable. I'll snap some photos this evening of the places I am practicing- they look TINY from the air.

Eric,
As you know I've seen your field and I really don't think your going to have any trouble with it in an 85 horse t-craft. If you got the extra room from your neighbor at the top of the hill near the road then you have a lot of extra room to play with. I would probably try to set my touch down point just about the drive way and that will give you plenty of stopping room going up hill and the trees won't look so bad. Just need to watch your flare for the first few time because of the uphill grade.As for going out....lots of room unless you are loaded heavy with a bad tailwind.

[Acroeric]

Re: STOL Work

Kevin- It helps having a second set of eyes look at it. After flying in and out of the 600' strip I think it will be no problem. Obviously it looks tight until you get down, slow, and committed. Now if I can win the lottery so I can afford the motor grader work I'll be set.

[crispy critter]

Re: STOL Work

Eric,
I still agree it will be a little tight but nothing as bad as you think. Just come up to my place and I'll take ya around to a few of these little private fields for some practice.....I think I can take ya into a couple that will make you feel right at home on your strip.LOL

[flylo]

Re: STOL Work

Eric,you've seen my little strip with the hill in the middle. If I can get in & out with the '38 you'll have no problem & it's alot more fun than landing on 5000' of asphalt. I remember my first landing at home,it looked like I was landing on a postage stamp. My knees were knocking together. You'll love landing in the backyard. Have you named your strip yet? Mine is Victoryfield. Good Luck! Eric

[Len Petterson]

Re: STOL Work

No wind + 30 C 8 gallon off fuel,1740 hr on My A 65. runway length 1200 feet to 60' trees.
Off the ground in 350 to 400, @ 60Mph in ground effect, nose up with one eye on the airspeed indicator. Airspeed went down to 50 mph and we cleared the trees.
I would not try it with any more load!
20 more ponyes would be nice,
But I do my best with what I have.
As for low power and and good handeling, I dont think you can find anything better in a classic aircraft.
Len

[jgerard]

Re: STOL Work

http://gallery.taylorcraft.org/main.php?g2_itemId=3117

http://gallery.taylorcraft.org/main.php?g2_itemId=3323

Good brakes will let you get into short places like this maybe 300' long hill top. Its a steep 45deg drop off from both ends. When light and not too hot out N43643 could get in and out of 250' with an A65 and 74" prop. Wish my F19 could do that. Take off is no problem, but still need better brakes and some tweaking on the rigging to get the slow flight characteristics where I like them. Since I gutted the electrical and vacuum system (-78lbs) my new empty weight is 890lbs and EWCG 16.4" (8.50's + 8" Maule Tundra tailwheel are the only mods) I swear that my old BC12D was the best flying Tcraft out of the 6 I have flown to date!

[Acroeric]

Re: STOL Work

Guys - I appreciate the info. I feel good about my place but realize there will be days when I can not use it due to wind. Having seen Eric Richardson's place I think mine is comparable.

Yesterday evening I got back from bringing a 160 hp super cub back from CT to NC. WOW- it had the Borer 82x41 prop and it really got up even with 2 200 pounders, 40 pounds in the baggage area, and 36 gallons of gas- I was also amazed that while it really had a ton of power my little 85hp Tcraft when light gets off the ground faster. I'm sure the SC will do much better when I am by myself and light on gas but the little Tcraft proves itself once again!

In addition- my Tcraft is about 5 mph faster in cruise.

[48fordnut]

Re: STOL Work

Jason those were some awsome shots. keep up the good work.

[astjp2]

Re: STOL Work

Just get some Microair VG's, lowered my indicated stall by 5-6....gives real good slow flight characteristics. I also like the dual hydraulic brakes even though they cost me almost 30#. Tim

Try the 65 prop on the 85, you will see a big difference in take off. Tim