Achieving Short Field Success
#FlySafe GA Safety Enhancement Topic
Multiple NTSB accident reports cite mismanagement of short-field takeoffs and landings involving pilots with and without experience in this type of operation. Some factors include inaccurate or incomplete performance calculations and improper short-field techniques. The General Aviation Joint Safety Committee believes that training and practice in short-field operations can help improve short-field performance and reduce loss-of-control and controlled-flight-into-terrain accidents. Let’s take a closer look at short-field operations and review some helpful tips to improve your technique.
What is a Short Field?
According to the FAA’s Airplane Flying Handbook, short-field operations involve a takeoff or landing area that is relatively short or restricted by obstructions. Keep in mind that what might be a “short field” for one pilot might be adequate for another. For example, a 2,300-foot runway might be daunting to some pilots who are used to a field twice that size. What’s considered short then is more a question of your aircraft’s capability as well as your own competence and experience.
Since a short-field takeoff or landing requires precise control of an airplane’s attitude and airspeed, you’ll want to plan your operations in advance and practice to proficiency. That means calculating takeoff and landing distances based on information contained in your Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH), and then confirming those figures with an actual flight or two.
Your POH’s performance section is the first place to check for short-field operating instructions. Thankfully, many POHs have done the math for us and provide the information graphically. However, remember to note the conditions on each document. Some charts may just include performance information at gross weight. The chart below indicates takeoff performance at gross weight (2,400 pounds) and at two lower weights. Lighter weights will naturally result in higher performance. Note that the chart also assumes 10 degrees of flaps, full throttle prior to brake release, a paved level runway, and zero wind. Instructions for how to adjust for these variables are in the notes section of the chart.
Short-Field Takeoff Tips
When performing a short-field takeoff, the pilot should operate the airplane at the maximum limit of its takeoff performance capabilities. The takeoff and climb performance should result in the shortest ground roll and the steepest angle of climb (see graphic below). The pilot should have adequate knowledge in the use and effectiveness of the best angle-of-climb speed (Vx) and the best rate-of-climb speed (VY) for the specific make and model of airplane being flown in order to safely accomplish a takeoff at maximum performance. Consult the POH for these speeds.
From the end of the runway apply full power and rotate at Vx. As Vx approaches, apply back-elevator pressure until reaching the appropriate Vx attitude to ensure a smooth and firm lift-off, or rotation. Since the airplane accelerates more rapidly after lift-off, pilots should apply additional back-elevator pressure to hold a constant airspeed. After becoming airborne, maintain a wings-level climb at Vx until all obstacles have been cleared, or if no obstacles are present, until reaching an altitude of at least 50 feet above the takeoff surface. Thereafter, pilots may lower the pitch attitude slightly and continue the climb at VY until reaching a safe maneuvering altitude. Pilots should remember that pulling the airplane off the ground prematurely or climbing too steeply may cause the airplane to settle back to the runway or make contact with obstacles.
A few rules of thumb when making takeoff calculations for a short field include:
- If you have a fixed pitch prop, add 15% to your calculated takeoff distance for each 1,000-foot increase in density altitude up to 8,000 feet.
- For constant speed props, add 12% per 1,000 feet of density altitude up to 6,000 feet.
- When planning a takeoff from short unobstructed runways, establish a landmark at 50% of your calculated takeoff distance. When on the takeoff roll, you should have 70% of your rotation speed at that point. If you don’t — the safest thing is to abort the takeoff and reduce weight or wait for more favorable wind and temperature conditions.
- If you must clear obstructions on takeoff, you’ll need to have 70% of your rotation speed by the time you’ve traveled 30% of your available takeoff distance.
A few common errors found with short-field takeoff performance include:
- Failure to review Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)/POH and performance charts before takeoff.
- Failure to utilize all available runway/takeoff area.
- Failure to have the airplane properly trimmed before takeoff.
- Premature lift-off resulting in high drag.
- Holding the airplane on the ground unnecessarily with excessive forward-elevator pressure.
- Inadequate rotation resulting in excessive speed after lift-off.
- Inability to attain/maintain VX.
- Fixation on the airspeed indicator during initial climb.
- Premature retraction of landing gear and/or wing flaps.
Short-Field Approach and Landing Tips
To land on a short field or a confined area, the pilot needs to have precise, positive control of the rate of descent and airspeed. They should fly an approach that clears any obstacles, results in little or no floating during the round out, and permits the airplane to be stopped in the shortest possible distance. As with all landings, you’ll want to be stabilized on final approach in landing configuration. For a short field, that means full flaps at the manufacturer’s recommended short-field approach speed. If no short-field speed is recommended, we suggest a speed of not more than 1.3 times VSO (the stalling speed in landing configuration). An excessive amount of airspeed could result in a touchdown too far from the runway threshold or an after-landing roll that exceeds the available landing area.
The short-field approach and landing is an accuracy approach to an aiming point. If it appears that the obstacle clearance is excessive and touchdown occurs well beyond the desired aiming point, leaving insufficient room to stop, reduce power while lowering the pitch attitude to steepen the descent path and increase the rate of descent. If it appears that the descent angle does not ensure safe clearance of obstacles, increase power while simultaneously raising the pitch attitude to shallow the descent path and decrease the rate of descent.
When in doubt, execute a go-around, evaluate the situation, and decide whether to make another approach or divert to a more suitable landing area.
A few common errors in the performance of short-field approaches and landings are:
- A final approach that necessitates an overly steep approach and high sink rate.
- Unstable approach.
- Undue delay in initiating glide path corrections.
- Airspeed too low on final resulting in inability to flare properly and landing hard.
- Too high an airspeed resulting in floating on round out.
- Prematurely reducing power to idle on round out resulting in hard landing.
- Touchdown with excessive airspeed.
- Excessive and/or unnecessary braking after touchdown.
- Failure to maintain directional control.
- Failure to recognize and abort a poor approach that cannot be completed safely.
Compounding Complications
In addition to the challenges of short-field takeoffs and landings, pilots may face additional complications during these operations. These include weather, density altitude, runway slope, obstructions, and aircraft weight. Pilots must recognize these factors and conduct their flight operations to accommodate them. That might mean staying overnight and flying out in cooler morning temperatures or making two trips out of a short field.
Finally, if you discover an approach to landing is not going to plan, execute a go-around. If you are compelled to change plans and go-around, remember your three priorities: Aviate, Navigate, and Communicate.
So how can pilots attain better proficiency with short-field operations? Practice. Practice short field operations regularly — even at airports where you have plenty of room. Challenge yourself to touch down at specific points on the runway. This will improve accuracy as well as short-field technique. And finally, seek regular proficiency training with your flight instructor and document your training in the FAA Safety Team’s WINGS Program.
For more information on this important subject, see chapters 7 and 10 in the Airplane Flying Handbook.
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