03/11/2024
👨✈️ Let’s talk about Short Takeoffs and Rotation!
Have you ever been to a National STOL event or watched the broadcast and heard the announcers talk about rotation and wondered, what is rotation?
✈️ Rotation Defined:
Rotation refers to the pivotal moment during takeoff when the pilot pulls the stick or yoke backward, causing the aircraft’s nose to pitch upward. This action initiates the transition from ground roll to a climb attitude, essential for achieving lift-off.
✈️ Early Rotation:
When a pilot attempts to rotate before achieving sufficient airspeed, it can lead to “not enough lift”. The plane stays grounded until enough airspeed is generated to provide the necessary lift for takeoff.
✈️ Late Rotation:
Conversely, late rotation indicates that the aircraft had sufficient airspeed and lift to rotate earlier in the takeoff roll. If, when I pull the flaps and pull back on the stick, the plane starts to fly BEFORE my tail wheel hits the ground, then this means that I could have rotated a bit earlier. This is a case of late rotation
The video shows a technically late rotation, but it is so close that it is literally a fraction of a second off. In the still shot taken from the video, you can see the main wheels are leaving the ground and the tailwheel has not touched yet.
✅Mastering rotation timing is crucial for optimizing takeoff performance and ensures a safe departure!! 🚀✈️
Always prioritize safety and adhere to proper procedures for a successful flight!