Thorp Air Command - T18.net

I plan on landing/taking off from 2700' turf runway at 1600lbs this week. The identifier in "NC08". I know I should just go out and test fly the scenario at an airport with a longer runway, but I am looking for opinions too. Thanks.

I dont think it should be an issue, but I just thought I would ask.

Plenty of runway Ryan! If it's rough it may rattle your brain though!

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

Ryan,
Lots of variables, density altitude, length of the grass, obstructions, size of your motor, etc, etc, etc. That said I the only turf field I have operated my O290 Thorp from is Randle-Kiona Airpark (WN55) 2400' length at 934' field elevation on a 70 deg day not fully loaded. I didn't have any problems. I have found that using 1 notch of flaps gets me off the ground a couple of hundred feet quicker than no flaps.

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

Just like Bruce, I find that 1 notch of flaps gets me off a little quicker. Your performance will vary a lot of course, depending on field elevation, density altitude, H.P., prop, etc., etc. With turf there can be a lot of variability depending on condition, type & length of grass.You know all of this of course. At lower elevations I would probably make a qualified "no problem" vote.

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE

Thank you Lee! Bruce, I have an 0-360, Fixed pitch prop. Not sure about the condition of the field. Forecast temps are 88*F. Field elevation is 2000 feet. Here is their website if anyone is interested. http://www.nc08.org. These folks evidently are very happy airpark people.

Here is a video of the approach: https://youtu.be/Gslqz1_TuGA

You're fine Ryan, I use 2500 hard top and 2000 turf as mine. I've known several that operate out of 1800 turf all day.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

That helps Lee, thank you. I'll work towards those numbers and see if I can set my personal minimums there as well.

Here's a data point. I took off at 8900ft DA at 1600lbs with a 160 hp O320. It took 2700 ft to get airborne. I agree, Ryan, you have no issues.
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