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| CHAPTER 7. Takeoff and Departure Climbs
Soft/Rough Field Takeoff and Climb Takeoffs and climbs from soft fi elds require the use of operational techniques for getting the WSC aircraft airborne as quickly as possible to eliminate the drag caused by tall grass, soft sand, mud, and snow, and may or may not require climbing over an obstacle. The technique makes judicious use of ground effect and requires a feel for the WSC aircraft and fi ne control touch. These same techniques are also useful on a rough fi eld where it is advisable to get the aircraft off the ground as soon as possible to avoid damaging the landing gear. Soft surfaces or long, wet grass usually reduce the aircraft’s acceleration during the takeoff roll so much that adequate takeoff speed might not be attained if normal takeoff techniques were employed. It should be emphasized that the WSC aircraft is different from most aircraft. The high wing creates a high center of gravity in which the front wheel can bog down in soft fi elds and fl ip the WSC aircraft forward. The propeller in the back pushing down on the front wheel also contributes to this unique situation. This is a limitation for WSC aircraft that should not be ignored. WSC aircraft that land in soft fi elds or sand may not be able to take off. There is a wide variation of manufacturer designs with the least preferable being a skinny, high pressure, highly loaded front tire. WSC aircraft with large wide tires that can be operated at low pressure are designed for operation in soft and rough fi elds. [Figures 7-11 through 7-13]
Correct takeoff procedure for soft fi elds and rough fi elds is quite different from that appropriate for short fi elds with fi rm, smooth surfaces. To minimize the hazards associated with takeoffs from soft or rough fi elds, support of the aircraft’s weight must be transferred as rapidly as possible from the wheels to the wings as the takeoff roll proceeds. Establishing and maintaining a relatively high angle of attack with a nosehigh pitch attitude as early as possible achieves this. Stopping on a soft surface, such as mud, snow or sand, might bog the aircraft down; therefore, it should be kept in continuous motion with suffi cient power while lining up for the takeoff roll. |
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