Peter's Flight Log

Short Field Takeoff and Landing

A short field takeoff is a technique used to maximize the performance of an aircraft during takeoff from a runway with limited length. It involves using the entire available runway length and specific techniques to achieve the best possible lift-off in the shortest distance. A short field landing is a method to land an aircraft within a confined space by using precise control of descent, approach speed, and braking to minimize the landing distance.

Soft Field Takeoff and Landing

A soft field takeoff is a technique used to safely and efficiently take off from runways or airstrips with soft surfaces, such as grass, dirt, or sand. The objective is to prevent the aircraft's wheels from becoming bogged down and to achieve lift-off as smoothly and quickly as possible. A soft field landing is a technique used to land on runways or airstrips with soft surfaces. The goal is to minimize the impact on the landing gear and to avoid getting stuck in the soft ground by maintaining control and keeping the aircraft's nose wheel light during the landing roll.

When to Use These Techniques

Short field takeoff and landing techniques should be used when operating from runways with limited length, such as small airstrips or airports with shorter runways. They are also important in emergency situations where a short landing area is the only option available. We can also use this technique to clear an obstacle in the path of the climb, so we use the best angle of climb speed (Vx) instead of best rate of climb (Vy).

Soft field takeoff and landing techniques should be used when taking off from airstrips with soft surfaces, such as grass, dirt, sand, or any other non-paved surfaces that might cause the aircraft to become bogged down. This is common in rural or undeveloped airstrips and emergency landing scenarios.

The Short Field Takeoff Technique

1. Pre-Takeoff Checks:
   • Ensure all pre-takeoff checks are completed, including control surfaces, trim settings, and flap positions.
   • Optional: Set flaps to 10 degrees (as recommended for the Cessna 172).
2. Line Up and Hold Brakes:
   • Taxi to the very beginning of the runway to maximize the available distance.
   • Hold the brakes firmly to prevent the aircraft from moving.
3. Full Throttle:
   • Apply full throttle smoothly to ensure the engine is developing maximum power while still holding the brakes.
   • Check engine instruments for proper readings and ensure maximum RPM is reached.
4. Release Brakes:
   • Release the brakes smoothly while maintaining full throttle to begin the takeoff roll.
5. Maintain Directional Control:
   • Use rudder inputs to keep the aircraft aligned with the runway centerline as it accelerates.
6. Rotate at VR:
   • As the aircraft reaches the recommended rotation speed (typically around 60 knots for the Cessna 172), apply back pressure on the yoke to lift off the nose wheel.
7. Lift Off:
   • Allow the aircraft to lift off the runway and establish a positive rate of climb.
   • Maintain a slight nose-up attitude to climb out at Vx (best angle of climb speed, around 60 knots for the Cessna 172).
8. Climb Out:
   • After clearing any obstacles, retract the flaps gradually (if used) and continue to climb at Vy  (best rate of climb) until reaching a safe altitude. Vy on the C172 is 73 kt.
   • Ensure a smooth transition to cruise climb speed.
9. Safety Considerations:
   • Be mindful of obstacles and terrain in the departure path.
   • Monitor engine performance and aircraft control continuously.

This procedure maximizes the aircraft’s performance, allowing it to achieve lift-off within the shortest possible distance while ensuring safety and efficiency.

The Short Field Landing Technique

Here is the technique for the short field landing. There are some variations possible. For example you can choose to use 10° flap, or no flap.

1. Approach Preparation:
   • Plan your approach well in advance, including the landing pattern and final approach.
   • Ensure you have identified the aiming point on the runway for touchdown.
2. Pre-Landing Checks:
   • Complete all pre-landing checks (BUMFISH).
   • Ensure flaps are set to the recommended setting (full flaps, 30°, for the Cessna 172, or even 40° if available and conditions allow).
3. Final Approach:
   • Establish and maintain a stabilized approach with an appropriate descent rate.
   • Maintain an approach speed of around 60 knots (recommended for short field landings in a Cessna 172). Use throttle as required.
4. Precision Aiming:
   • Aim to touch down on the runway within the first third of its length or at the specified aiming point.
   • Use visual references to ensure a precise landing spot.
5. Touchdown:
   • Reduce power to idle as you flare, just above the runway surface.
   • Touch down on the main wheels first, aiming to land firmly but smoothly. Use attitude to ensure that the main wheels touchdown first.
6. Braking:
   • Immediately after touchdown, lower the nose wheel gently to the runway.
   • Apply maximum braking without locking the wheels. Use a combination of firm braking and aerodynamic braking (holding back pressure on the yoke) to reduce speed quickly.
7. Directional Control:
   • Maintain directional control with rudder inputs, keeping the aircraft aligned with the centerline.
   • Avoid any excessive swerving or drift during the landing roll.
8. Full Stop:
   • Continue braking until the aircraft comes to a full stop.
   • Exit the runway as soon as practical to clear it for other traffic.

Safety Considerations:

• Approach Stability:
  • Ensure a stable and consistent approach to avoid floating or bouncing.
• Runway Condition:
  • Be aware of runway surface conditions (wet, icy, or uneven surfaces) that might affect braking performance.
• Obstacles and Terrain:
  • Keep an eye out for any obstacles or terrain near the approach path that could impact your landing strategy.

By following these steps, you can perform a precise short field landing, minimizing the required landing distance while ensuring a safe and controlled touchdown.

The Soft Field Take-off Technique

The main objective of the soft field take-off is to avoid the wheels becoming bogged down in soft surface material, ensuring smooth acceleration and lift-off without damaging the aircraft. Here's the technique:

• Pre-Takeoff Checks:
  • Complete all pre-takeoff checks, ensuring the aircraft is ready for takeoff.
  • Optional: Set flaps to 10 degrees, which helps increase lift and decrease the takeoff roll on soft surfaces.
• Line Up on the Runway:
  • Enter the runway without stopping to avoid sinking into the soft surface.
  • Keep the control yoke pulled back to lighten the load on the nose wheel and prevent it from digging into the ground.
• Apply Throttle Gradually:
  • Apply full throttle smoothly and gradually to maximize traction.
  • As the engine develops full power, monitor engine gauges to ensure all parameters are within normal limits.
• Maintain Directional Control:
  • Use gentle rudder inputs to maintain alignment with the runway centerline. Avoid abrupt maneuvers that might cause the wheels to dig in.
• Lift Off:
  • As the aircraft gains speed, it will naturally begin to lift off due to the reduced friction of the soft surface and the increased lift from the flaps.
  • Continue to hold back pressure on the yoke to keep the nose wheel off the ground as long as feasible.
• Initial Climb:
  • Once airborne, remain in ground effect (just above the runway) until reaching a higher-than-normal climb speed. This technique allows the aircraft to build additional speed and improve climb performance.
  • Gradually ease the yoke forward to transition from a nose-high attitude to a normal climb attitude.
• Flap Retraction:
  • Retract flaps incrementally once a safe altitude and airspeed are established to minimize drag and optimize climb performance.
• Climb Out:
  • Continue climbing out at the best rate of climb speed (Vy), which is about 74 knots in a Cessna 172.
  • Monitor all engine parameters and aircraft performance as you climb to ensure everything remains stable and within operational limits.

The Soft Field Landing Technique

The main objective is to safely land on a runway with reduced friction due to wet conditions, ensuring controlled deceleration without hydroplaning. Here's the technique: