N
ORMAL
O
PERATING
P
ROCEDURES
R
EVISION
:
-
D
ATE
:
12/29/04
P
AGE
:
17
Copyright
2004 Glasair Aviation, LLC Arlington, Washington All rights reserved
4-6.3 S
HORT
-F
IELD
T
AKEOFF
For a short-field takeoff, use the same procedures as for a normal
takeoff, except apply full flaps and, after lining up on the runway, hold
the brakes while advancing the power. Release the brakes after full
power is reached. When you raise the tail, hold it lower than you
would for a normal takeoff to get the wing lifting as soon as possible.
As the airplane passes through Vso (42 kts./48 m.p.h.), ease the stick
back to rotate the wing to a takeoff angle of attack.
Once airborne, allow the airplane to accelerate to the best angle-of-
climb airspeed (75 kts./86 m.p.h.). Establish a climb at this airspeed
until obstacles are cleared. When all obstacles are cleared, ease the
flaps off while accelerating to at least the best rate-of-climb airspeed
(85 kts./97 m.p.h.).
W A R N I N G
Because the Sportsman enjoys such remarkable controllability
near and even below the stall speed, it is tempting to operate
the aircraft closer to the margins than one might in another
aircraft, especially in situations like a short-field departure with
obstacles to clear. Flight at these extreme corners of the
envelope carries risks, however. The Sportsman’s ability to lift
off and climb impressively at speeds only slightly higher than
the stall speed does not exempt it from the effects of wind
shear or turbulence. Encountering such conditions when at
the edge of the performance envelope can lead to an accident.