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Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2007 12:01:51 -0500
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From: <paulhershorin@bellsouth.net>
Subject: Re: [LML] Soft Field procedures LNC2/LIV
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Bill and Sue----Thanks so very much for this.
Paul Hershorin
LNC2   471LA
> 
> From: "Marvin Kaye" <marv@lancaironline.net>
> Date: 2007/01/12 Fri PM 05:10:38 EST
> To: lml
> Subject: [LML] Soft Field procedures LNC2/LIV
> 
> 
> 
> 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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