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Posted for "Bill&Sue" <5zq@cox.net>:
Hi Paul,
Our soft field procedures are pretty much the standard procedures taught in
150's forever. The Lancairs, especially the LNC2s do require that you be
aware of, and ready for it's unique characteristics. I've highlighted Lancair
specific stuff with asterisks (***)
For a soft field takeoff:
1. Be light. We avoid soft fields when heavy. A little planning here goes a
long way.
2. Have a CG a bit toward the aft side. We generally make our soft field
takeoffs and landings with 5 gallons or so in the header.
3. Use a bit more flap than you would normally use. Normally, we match the
flap to full aileron deflection. For soft fields we lower another inch.
4. Start the takeoff roll with full aft elevator.
5. Keep full elevator until the nose leaves the ground.
***Here's where it's a lot different from spam cans. We sit relatively
further back in the fuselage compared to, say, a 172. When the nose comes up
your forward vision will be completely gone. BE READY for this and have your
vision already concentrated at the left side of the runway.
***Our Lancairs are quite overpowered compared to most GA airplanes. When
the nose leaves the ground there will be a lot of "p"factor induced. It's
going to take a LOT of right rudder with full power and the nose in the air at
40 knots. Don't wait until you're getting a great view of the bushes on the
left side of the runway. BE READY to add considerable right rudder BEFORE
your heading changes.
***On the LNC2's, especially with the small tail, the elevator
effectiveness increases DRAMATICALLY just as the nose leaves the ground.
Because of the aft CG it will be even less stable than usuall. BE READY to
release some back pressure fairly quickly as the nose leaves the ground. On
your first several trys, you'll probably release too much back pressure and
the nose will come back down on the runway, then, you'll pull back to much and
the nose will be too high. It takes a bit of practice to get this down. I'd
suggest that you make your first trys on wide smooth runways, preferably with
a Lancair pilot who is experienced with this technique providing example and
instruction.
6. Hold the nosewheel just clear of the ground until you're airborne.
7. Once airborne, lower the nose so as to remain just above the runway while
you gain speed. Keep the gear down. You'll still need quite a bit of right
rudder. When you gain sufficient speed (we use 80 knots) begin your climb and
retract your gear as you normally would. As you accelerate, reduce the right
rudder.
***Here again your initial tendency will be to over control the elevator.
You want to stay airborne but not climb until you've got a safe airspeed. This
will take some practice to get it right.
8. Transition to normal climb, retract flaps on schedule. Start pumping fuel
into the header.
For a soft field landing:
1. Be light. (see #1 above)
2. Aft CG (see #2 above)
3. Use full flap.
4. Use a slower approach speed (we use around 75 knots) and power as
necessary for a precise, controlled approach with a sink rate of 5-700 fpm.
5. Make a full stall landing (easier said than done).
***Your forward vision will be completely gone. Have your vision
concentrated on the left side of the runway several hundred feet ahead of the
plane BEFORE you loose sight of the runway ahead.
***Avoid overcontroling the elevator (takes a bit of practice).
6. After touchdown attempt to keep the nosewheel off the ground for as long
as possible. You should have full aft elevator as the nosewheel touches the
ground.
7. Continue the rollout with full aft elevator.
These techniques have served us well. They work. I would, however, strongly
suggest that before you think about soft fields, you are very comfortable with
normal procedures in your Lancair. If you don't have at least 100 hours or so
in your plane, I'd postpone soft field work until you do. Try to find an
experienced Lancair pilot or instructor to introduce you to these methods.
They are not without hazard if they are improperly done and it is easy to do
them improperly.
In the IV, the basic technique is the same except on the takeoff use FULL
flaps. In the IV it is actually much easier to do a softfield takeoff since
there is more initial elevator authority and the airplane is, in general, a
bit more stable than the 320/360. I have NOT done any soft field work in a
Legacy so I can't speak on that.
Good luck with this. Let me know if you've got questions.
Bill Harrelson
N5ZQ 320 1,300 hrs
N6ZQ IV under construction
Bill and Sue---I would love to know the short field procedures you use.
Paul Hershorin
(561) 641-7510
We've been operating our 320 out of grass for 1300 hours, never had a problem. We intend to operate our IV out of grass also. You do need to utilize soft field techniques. Contact us if you'd like to discuss our procedures.
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