Practice - Shorts and Softs

I recently had the opportunity to head out to the airport after work and get a little bit of practice in on short/soft field takeoffs and landings. I must admit, when I first started studying about these "specialty" takeoffs and landings, I was a little concerned. The techniques make sense in theory, but I wasn't sure how difficult they would be to implement. As it turns out, they aren't nearly as bad as I had imagined. I actually prefer the challenge, especially of these landings, over the normal landings I've been practicing thus far.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• short
• soft
• takeoff
• landing
• piper
• tri-pacer
• student pilot
• flying

[PilotToddVideo]

@cholubaz Thanks Chris. According the POH, this method shortens takeoff distance by 20%. Obviously it would only work with manual flaps, but I like the technique.

[cholubaz]

Nice job Todd. I like the technique you were taught for doing the short fields and it totally makes since. I was taught to start with the flaps down but obviously you will get to speed quicker with them up and then put them in when you rotate.

[PilotToddVideo]

@davecat1458 Thanks - yes, I practiced these landings with my CFI a few days prior as well. Shooting for a touchdown spot further down the runway (vs the end of the runway) feels a little safer too.

[PilotToddVideo]

@Physicspilot Thanks! It's a 1960 Piper Tri-Pacer PA-22 150

[davecat1458]

Nice...just wondering if you practiced first at altitude?

[Physicspilot]

Nice video Todd,what aircraft is it btw?