Short Runway
Big Idea
Short field takeoff: use every inch of runway. Short field landing: stop in the shortest distance possible.
Fun Fact
The world record for shortest takeoff in a Cessna 172 is about 250 feet — less than the length of a football field!
What You Will Learn
- Short-field takeoff: hold brakes, full power, release, rotate at minimum speed
- Short-field landing: aim before the numbers, touch down right at the start, brake hard
- Know the stopping distance for your airplane
Simulator Steps
- Line up at the very start of the runway
- Hold the brakes and apply FULL power
- Release brakes — accelerate and rotate at 51 knots (Vr)
- Climb at Vx (56 knots) to clear obstacles
- For landing: approach at 61 knots, full flaps, touch down at the numbers, brake firmly
What You Learned
- Use every inch of runway for short-field takeoff
- Rotate at minimum speed (Vr)
- Land at the numbers and brake hard for short-field landing