Short Take-Off Video
In a recent post, I mentioned the exceptional descent performance of the Pilatus Porter. One could say a lot on the Porter’s performances, but it’s not the sole aircraft with outstanding characteristics.
I had the chance to fly a couple of times as passenger in a PA18 SuperCub. This improved version of the Cub is not flying exactly fast, but its take-off and climb performance are… well… unusual.
This video has been taken while taking-off from Geneva runway 05 grass. The displaced threshold (marked with inverted V and a bar across the runway) is 180 meters from runway begin.
Using the same runway with a Cessna 172 or a Saratoga make the trees look impressively close on initial climb. But with the SuperCub one harly notices trees in the axis ! The rest of the climb is also rather impressive. This plane is also able to make rapid descents in side-slips, and is fitted with skis for glacier landings.It time and money allows for, a tail-wheel training could be the next on my list…
UPDATE (24-05-08): This is now an higher resolution of the same video, hosted by revver.com.
6 Comments, Comment or Ping
Jason
I like this one: http://youtube.com/watch?v=dAx8BT6vcBw
Apr 14th, 2008
PlasticPilot
Jason, I like it as well… probably strong wind.
Apr 15th, 2008
Cliff Stanford
Amazing. One minute from take-off and you still haven’t reached the end of the main runway.
Apr 16th, 2008
PlasticPilot
The plane is not quick, and the main runway is looooong, as you can see on this video: http://www.plasticpilot.net/blog/2007/07/20/touch-and-go-on-geneva-main-runway/
Apr 16th, 2008
Barbara
180 metres seems a little long. Is this a 135, 150, or 180?
How high is the airport? I usually reckon between 100 and 150 metres depending on weight for no wind, not using short field technique, with a 150 cub
May 26th, 2008
PlasticPilot
Barbara, it’s a 180, with two on board and full fuel. The airport is at 1500 feet. The 180 meters was a bit “generous” measurement. The skis were not on the plane on this flight, so they are not a factor.
May 26th, 2008
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