REFLECTOR: Runway length

[Chuck Jensen]

Initially, 5000' is comforting.  Then over couple dozen hours, you'll
start to feel compfortable down to 3500'.  And, that assumes that there
are decent approaches to the runway and there aren't obstacles that you
have to sneak over, then dive for the runway.  Some may do 3000' even,
2500', but one needs to have the numbers nailed for that.  Given you
experience level, even if its not in the Velo and other 'tiny' planes, I
would expect you may get comfortable sooner, but initially, lots of
concrete is reassuring.

Speaking of concrete, hard surface is preferable, particular due to the
pusher prop.  Unless the grass runway is very high quality, the prop
will vacuum up sticks, gravel and other FOD on the grass runway and can
make MT prop maintenance a little on the pricey side.  Other than that,
there's nothing inherent about the Velo and grass that seems to be a
problem.  The strip just needs to have a firm base because the XL puts
quite a bit of weight on the wheels.  If the strip gets soggy, take-offs
will be interesting but short runouts will be no problem!!!

Chuck Jensen



> -----Original Message-----
> From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org 
> [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On Behalf Of Terry Miles
> Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2006 7:24 AM
> To: 'Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list'
> Subject: REFLECTOR: Runway length
> 
> 
> Hi,
> 
> Here's a general question for those flying.  I am looking at 
> a couple of airpark options.  More than once I have found a 
> nice house but rejected it for runway surface or runway 
> length.  On the assumption that I can takeoff and land with 
> the skill of an average pilot could I ask those flying (esp 
> the XL) what number should I use for min runway length, and 
> if they thought turf was OK.  This is be day VFR only.  No 
> tower, no lights, no fuel or mx on the field.  
> 
> Thanks for the thoughts and advice.  
> 
> Terry
> 
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