Private Pilot Knowledge

How to Fly a Soft Field Takeoff

Subcribe and stay connected

Learning how to fly a soft field takeoff can be fun, but first what is a soft field? A soft field is a runway/taxi surface that is grass, water, snow, mud, loose dirt, soft gravel, and so on. This kind of surface acts as glue to the tires and prevents the aircraft from accelerating at a normal rate. Additionally, protecting our propellor is key. Oftentimes these types of airports also have the potential for potholes, ruts, gopher holes, etc. If our nose wheel was to drop into one of those holes with a good amount of weight on it, it could cause it to dip down, and cause a prop strike. That’s a big, expensive and dangerous mistake.

 

 

When operating on a soft field, we don’t come to a stop. If we need to do our runup before, we get that done. But once we start moving onto the runway, we stay moving. Even during the taxi, you’ll add back pressure on the yoke. The slipstream of the propellor causes significant effectiveness on the elevator. This actually does take quite a bit of weight off of the nose wheel.

Now moving into the takeoff position, and with one notch of flaps, we smoothly add full power while still holding back on the yoke. During this takeoff roll, we’re going to be actively flying the airplane even though we’re not airborne yet. With all that power, and with that yoke back, we’ll have not only a lot of need for the right rudder, but we can vary the pitch.

We want to find a pitch angle or angle of attack, that is going to get our nose wheel off the runway. Pull back TOO much and you’ve not created too much drag, and you won’t become airborne as fast as you could. So you’ve gotta find that sweet spot.

Because we already have back pressure on the yoke with a higher angle of attack, and that nose wheel is already off the runway, we’re going to become airborne before the aircraft is really ready to fly. The good news is we have a friend to help us out. That friend is Ground Effect.

Ground effect is a cushion of air, most effective about 1/4 wingspan above the runway. This is where our induced drag is drastically decreased. In other words, we can ride this cushion, fly at a slow speed, and gain the energy we need to climb out.

So as soon as the airplane becomes ‘unstuck’ from the ground, you’re going to release some of that back pressure and accelerate VERY close to the runway. Literally, a few feet. Don’t touch back down, but get as close as you practically can. The closer you get, the more effective that ground effect. Once you’re at Vx or Vy, you will transition out of ground effect. Then climb out as normal, clean up the airplane, and continue onward.

If you have any questions on the soft field takeoff, always contact a team member at Angle of Attack.

AUTHOR

Chris Palmer

Chief Flight Instructor and President of Angle of Attack. Founded in 2006.

ON THE SAME TOPIC

Duration and Implications of a Second-Class Medical Certificate

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the aviation industry. One of the ways it accomplishes this is by regulating the medical certificates of pilots through various classes. The second-class medical certificate is a vital component of this system, catering to a specific category of aviators. …

Duration and Implications of a Second-Class Medical Certificate »

Read more

9X Landings with NO Instruments: Cessna 172 Real Flight Lesson

👩‍✈️ Welcome back to Angle of Attack, your go-to platform for real-world flight lessons, aviation education, and all things flying! ✈️ If you’re a future pilot, an aviation geek, or someone looking to learn to fly, today’s pilot training video is just for you. I’m your dedicated CFI (Certified Flight Instructor), and we’ve got Sienna, …

9X Landings with NO Instruments: Cessna 172 Real Flight Lesson »

Read more

The Art and History of Windsocks

The windsock, a simple yet crucial device, serves as a reliable indicator of wind direction and intensity. Whether in aviation, maritime, or various outdoor activities, understanding how to prepare for a windsock and interpret its signals can be a valuable skill. In this article, we will delve into the process of preparing for a windsock, …

The Art and History of Windsocks »

Read more

What Are Those Important Lines At The Airport

Airports are bustling hubs of activity, with planes taxiing, taking off, and landing around the clock. Amidst the organized chaos, one might notice the intricate lines painted on the taxiways and runways. These lines serve a crucial purpose in guiding pilots, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. In this article, we will delve into …

What Are Those Important Lines At The Airport »

Read more

Stay Connected

Be the very first to get notified when we publish new flying videos, free lessons, and special offers on our courses.

YOUR FLYING JOURNEY STARTS HERE

ENROLL IN YOUR PRIVATE PILOT COURSES NOW