Tailwheel Short-Field Takeoff

In a tailwheel aircraft, the short field takeoff is not very different from the normal takeoff. There are a couple of minor differences that will make a short-field takeoff.

After applying full power to the aircraft during the takeoff roll, instead of raising the tail above the ground to a level flight position, the pilot will lift the tail only slightly above the ground. In most cases this will mean the tail is approximately 6-12 inches off the ground.

As the aircraft rolls down the runway gaining airspeed, the pilot will maintain this tail position until the aircraft reaches Vx. Upon reaching Vx, the pilot will hold backpressure to the stick and climb the aircraft at Vx until any obstacles are cleared. After reaching a safe altitude, the pilot will then continue their climb to the desired altitude at Vy.

During this procedure, the aircraft will be flown off the ground at a slower airspeed than during a normal takeoff and will be climbed at Vx instead of Vy. This requires that the aircraft be taken off at an airspeed that is closer to stall than a normal takeoff so the pilot should remain cautious during this type of takeoff.

The procedure is as follows:
  • Line the aircraft up on the runway;
  • Release brakes;
  • Apply power slowly (3 second count) with the stick back;
  • Raise the tail slightly (approximately 6 inches) off the ground;
  • Allow the aircraft to fly itself off the ground in this attitude at Vx and continue the climb until all obstacles are clear;
  • Continue the climb to the desired altitude at Vy.
Many tailwheel aircraft have wonderful short field takeoff characteristics and for the pilot who learns their aircraft well, it can open a door to a new set of airports and fields that they can visit with a tailwheel capable aircraft.
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