bob turner
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- Jan 7, 2005
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Where was that thread that sort of drifted into how fast one goes from idle to full power?
I took the time the other day to measure, over two trials, my takeoff rolls. I noted on that thread that it took 80 feet to reach full power with a five second push (and 190' to get airborne).
My second trial was full power with brakes locked. 190 feet to lift off - but I forgot to count "one potato, etc".
So the next day I did a brakes locked full power takeoff - admittedly different conditions, although not much different. Counted to five, while rolling with full power - you guessed it - 80 feet.
I did mention that I did a bunch of trials raising the tail, rolling at 3-point attitude, yanking flaps at liftoff speed, etc - ? My personal best results were obtained by relaxing the back pressure until I felt the tail wheel lift, then simply putting enough back pressure in to get the tailwheel firmly back on the deck, which resulted in immediate liftoff. Your mileage may vary.
I have been doing this for a very long time - for the last two decades I have been averaging four takeoffs per day in my J-3, with an additional three in various other airplanes including all manner of Super Cubs.
I took the time the other day to measure, over two trials, my takeoff rolls. I noted on that thread that it took 80 feet to reach full power with a five second push (and 190' to get airborne).
My second trial was full power with brakes locked. 190 feet to lift off - but I forgot to count "one potato, etc".
So the next day I did a brakes locked full power takeoff - admittedly different conditions, although not much different. Counted to five, while rolling with full power - you guessed it - 80 feet.
I did mention that I did a bunch of trials raising the tail, rolling at 3-point attitude, yanking flaps at liftoff speed, etc - ? My personal best results were obtained by relaxing the back pressure until I felt the tail wheel lift, then simply putting enough back pressure in to get the tailwheel firmly back on the deck, which resulted in immediate liftoff. Your mileage may vary.
I have been doing this for a very long time - for the last two decades I have been averaging four takeoffs per day in my J-3, with an additional three in various other airplanes including all manner of Super Cubs.
