Short/Soft Field Capability

[8349]

How many in here are routinely operating their 120s or 140s out of fairly short grass/gravel strips? I'm talking 1400-1600' or so with trees. I am trying to get an idea of the short field performance off of grass to compare to Aeronca, Luscombe, & Taylorcraft competitors. I'm not looking to go all Mike Patey/Trent Palmer is start hitting 400' gravel islands, but do enjoy exploring the grass strips (public and private) of the northeast. So anywhere from sea level to say 2,500' elevations. Also, if you are - is it on the stock C-85, a 100-hp stroker, C-200 STC, etc.

I know getting in isn't too bad as you can slip to get down after trees, etc. Bigger question is ground roll and climb performance, especially on the 120s and 140s without flaps. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Love the 120/140 - but want to be sure it will comfortably fit this mission.

I am 250lbs but generally fly alone, so shouldn't be pushing max as even my camping trips are just overnights, so on the lighter side of packing.

Thanks all!

[6298]

My dirt strip is 1700 feet these days. Years ago it was 900 feet. I have an 85 and an O-200 powered 140. Seldom use flaps. The O-200 gets airborne in about 600 feet, the 85 about 850. In the very hot summer I only fly the O-200 with 2 people and full fuel.

[6863]

I weigh only 140 lbs and never use any shorter than a 10,000 foot paved runway.

[6298]

Is that an Einstein principal? I recall you fly off airport occasionally, John.

[6183]

I weigh only 140 lbs and never use any shorter than a 10,000 foot paved runway.

John is too modest. I remember a beautiful picture of his 120 in a Kansas farm field. Quality of that picture was worth every bit of beauty that airplane showed.

[6643]

I had my 140 w. C90 on a 1300' strip at 1700'MSL with trees at both ends. The strip was really one way due to slope. I had to be careful taking off and landing with a tail wind but it was fine otherwise.

[8434]

My C90 powered 140 can do 1200ft with trees or 600ft with none at 3000ft MSL. Most of the time I'm well below gross weight. I have the mid rang prop so I bet I could see better performance with a climb prop.

[8482]

I fly mine in and out of my dad’s 1200’ strip. I have the O-200 in it now. When my dad was a kid there was a house and a power line at one end of the strip. He and his dad flew it in and out of the strip then when It had the C85. The effective strip was probably a little less than 1100’ then. It’s worth mentioning field elevation is 150’.

On a hot day with pax, 3/4 fuel, no headwind, I will use the entire 1200’. It also helps to have the grass short, dry, and the mains hard. I do use a cruise prop too.

[7896]

I have a friend with a 2400' grass strip with BIG trees on both sides, and at each end. As others have said, getting in is no problem at all.

Getting out is visually uncomfortable, but I clear the trees easily with an 0-200A. Seeing a wall of trees coming at me gets my attention every time.

That said, I only fly in/out solo.

Cheers,