This month's edition of Pilot contains a fascinating report on the Twin Pin. Short takeoff involved yoke in the stomach, full throttle, brakes off, yoke released and it's sprung into the air. A friend of mine cadged a lift in one, from Shoreham to Prestwick, many years ago. Immediately after takeoff the mature pilot handed control over, until the landing, whilst trying to sleep off the effects of the whisky he'd been drinking, in the bar, up to takeoff...His description of his various steps until he joined his first airline show that it's all got a bit more rigorous, since then. His era really was a bit like Ernest Gann.
Gerry Winskill Peter Dodds wrote:
I have flown a 172 real world into Cark (400 metres), final approach speed 50 knots full flap, with touchdown off the clock - possibly about 38 knots. Stopped in about half the length of the runway. The chap who was with me, an instructor, demonstrated that, although the POH shows short field take off to be done without flap, adding 10 degrees and pulling right back on the stick from brake release had us airborne with ease in about a three quarters of the runway at about 55 knots. Fly level to 70 knots and climb away. Exciting stuff! We did three landings there one afternoon for short field practice. Didn't risk a touch and go, though! Peter*From:* Mike Lucas <mhlucas@xxxxxxxxxxxx> *To:* jhb@xxxxxxxxxxxxx *Date:* Sat, 14 Jul 2007 19:57:18 +0100 GerryI'll use the RealAir Cessna 172. I flew into Riseley and Benington OK with this aircraft. Vso is 40 KIAS, Vs (max weight, flaps up) is only 48 KIAS, and it cruises happily at 120 KIAS.Mike L Gerry Winskill wrote:Right, I've picked the first three but not telling 'til tomorrow.The first week is a bit unusual, since you have to start from somewhere. I'd suggest we all, when we wish, start from Shobdon, so you can refamiliarise with that, before the Off.Meantime, any ideas on what aircraft you're all picking, so that I can arrange to see them on my system?Gerry Winskill
