flap setting for take off
 

Ive just been signed off on my 7A

the test pilot suggested i take off with 20 degrees flaps for all take offs, not just short field. Trouble is i easily get a flap overspeed if i dont climb steep enough or retracts the flaps soon enough.

Im curious if others use some flaps for take off?

thxs

David

I have a 6A
 

I do in mine. I suppose the 7 is much the same. It will spend less time on the ground of course as it will fly at a lower speed, but regardless of that, I like the way it transitions from rolling to flying. Just feels nicer, more positive, with a notch.

Long thread on this
 

There was a long thread on this subject a while ago, probably find with the search function. Seemed like a 50/50 split between flaps vs no flaps. I didn't use them, then started using them and now I only use them for short field or when loaded 2 up and baggage as it get the tail up quicker (RV-7)

I use them for every takeoff. Less time on the ground and less tire wear. I raise them once I have cleared obstacles.

Optimum setting is 15?. Hint; push the stick to one side and align flaps to the lowered aileron.

By using them for every takeoff, you develop a habit and reduce the chance of forgetting them when using them occasionally.

Ive been using 16*. I prefer to lift off my grass runway quicker. If I had a nice long asphalt runway, I probably wouldn't use any.:cool:

I've done it both ways and settled on 10 all the time. Its not my choice, zero would be simple, but the airplane definitely likes some flap for take off.

Retracting same becomes a habit, like pulling your zipper up after peeing. :)

haha Some people I know sometimes forget the second step despite performing this task for the better part of the century.

Bevan

Great safety
 

on shorter fields or those surrounded by city. Climb steep at 75 knts and retract at 1000 agl. 15 to 20 degrees works good for me. Then I climb at 125 knots to keep cylinders cool. Purpose of flaps on take off is to get maximum safe altitude before leaving airport boundary. It also reduces distance of take off roll, but that is usually secondary for safety.

By the time I get the power in - I am airborne......

Nice and slow, 3-4 seconds to full power.

Never use flaps for take off - utterly pointless unless you are sub 1500' grass.

That said - I have an IO-360 with an MT 3 blade c/s prop which helps.

If you are on a fixed pitch - re evaluate for your location.

Similarly - never use full flap for landing unless performance limited - nor full fine.

Get much sweeter landings that way - say 2/3rd flap and keep the prop at 2300 on descent - leave through to landing.

Still need an engine for my -7A but, in my Cherokee 140 with 150 HP and 2150 gross weight on a 2700 foot runway, I only use 10 degrees when heavy and hot (high DA). I might, on occasion, use 25 degrees (second notch) if very close to gross on a hot day. Flaps are raised slowly (Johnson bar) when passing through Vy and above obstacles.

Temps right now are in the mid 60s during the day no flaps needed unless I just want to practice short field take-offs, which is good to do now and then.

Landing is always 25 degrees unless I need to bleed off some speed on final, then 40.