Transition into flight

[Cadstat]

I've flown at least 50 different planes over the years including twins. What I'm noticing with my CS IO-320 6A is that it seems to pause or hesitate at that point of transition from runway to flight more than most A/C I've flown. I'm only showing 2600 RPM max and think maybe I need to turn up the govenor. The field is 4650 ft and flaps half way position, full fuel and no passenger. Any suggestions?

[Sid Lambert]

You may be noticing the ground effect that is lower to the ground than most airplanes because of it's shorter wings. I think I remember that ground effect height is half the distance of the aircraft's wing span. Or 11 feet or so in most RVs.

I typically lift off at 60 MPH then hold 5 feet AGL until 80 MPH.

[John Clark]

Originally Posted by Cadstat

I've flown at least 50 different planes over the years including twins. What I'm noticing with my CS IO-320 6A is that it seems to pause or hesitate at that point of transition from runway to flight more than most A/C I've flown. I'm only showing 2600 RPM max and think maybe I need to turn up the govenor. The field is 4650 ft and flaps half way position, full fuel and no passenger. Any suggestions?

I would start with the RPM issue, it should be higher. Also make sure that the tach is accurate. My big concern is the flap position. At half flaps, you are most likely adding more drag than lift. A little flight testing should be in order, seeing what the takeoff distance is in each configuration and how much time it takes from brake release to liftoff.

John Clark ATP, CFI
FAA FAAST Team Member
EAA Flight Advisor
RV8 N18U "Sunshine"
KSBA

[Mile High Relic]

I've only flown a dozen or so different planes, and only 4 in Colorado, but I'm curious why you are using flaps for any take-off at Greeley. The "short" runway is 5800'

[L.Adamson]

I'm at a 4603' msl airport. For my takeoffs, I generally use no flaps. My 180HP Lyc does spin to the full 2700 rpms with the Hartzell prop. I start the roll with the stick full back, and then move it forward as speed picks up. I don't use the "let it fly off method". I hold the nosewheel slightly off the ground until at least 60 kias, or slightly above, as it takes no time at all to increase to 65 kias.............and then either gain some instant altitude before leveling off a bit, or holding it in ground effect longer. At that 60 kias rotation speed, the airspeed quickly increases with full throttle. There is no hesitation.

I might just start using some flap for takeoffs, just for the sake of it. It doesn't need them at all..........to get airborne though. More than not, I just use 1/2 flaps for landings. Some are power off, and some with power. But I better be close to the runway when the airspeed hit's 60 kias and diminishing. Otherwise, my plane will fall through the flare.

L.Adamson --- RV6A

[allbee]

I wouldn't raise the rpm until you check with max rpm for the prop. My Hartzell has a 2600 max rpm.

[L.Adamson]

Originally Posted by John Clark

I would start with the RPM issue, it should be higher. Also make sure that the tach is accurate. My big concern is the flap position. At half flaps, you are most likely adding more drag than lift. A little flight testing should be in order, seeing what the takeoff distance is in each configuration and how much time it takes from brake release to liftoff.

There have been quite a number of video's and comments about using some flaps on RV's over the years. It doesn't seem to hurt, and some have interesting results.........including full flap short takeoffs in an 8. I know that mine (6A) litterly popped off the runway one day, when I let a friend do the takeoff............and I was going to raise the 1/2 flap first.

L.Adamson ---- RV6A

[Cadstat]

The CFI that transitioned me into the RV suggested using about half flaps. My C-210 operated very well with 20 degrees for take off and landing. Also, when taking off on the East-West runway you have to cross over the ILS approach to the North South with most of the IFR practice so the higher the better. And if I have 250 ft at the end of the take off runway and an engine out happens, I can drop the nose, turn 90 degrees and be set up to land on a 10,000 foot runway.

[RVbySDI]

there is a considerable drag increase between 1/2 flaps and 10 deg flaps. You might see if raising flaps to 10 deg will change what you are seeing on take off.

[L.Adamson]

The Danny King ........shortfield takeoff video. They do work for RV's..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NIMn...eature=related

L.Adamson --- RV6A