I don't always fly with 10 psi in the Bushwheels, but when I do...

[efrench]

I don't always fly with 10 psi in the Bushwheels, but when I do... I complete the currency requirements with one approach!

I have 31" Bushwheels with a Baby Bushwheel tailwheel/glider tire/tube. I was running about 7 psi in the mains and it made me look really, really good on the landings. However it took about 400' to get off the ground at sea level, grass/gravel strip.

I raised the tire pressure to 10 psi and shortened the take off roll by about 75' but it made the landings a bit more entertaining.

For those who are running Bushwheels, where is the sweet spot for tire pressure?

[Steve Pierce]

I don't ever put the tire gauge on them but my Pacer was probably around 6-7 psi. I run 4-5 in the Super Cub but don't like how hard it is to push it out of the hanger. What is your take-off procedure? I would pull a notch of flaps, get the tail up a bit and when she got light pull the rest of the flaps and the yoke.

[Schwarz]

I run 8 psi in mine now, I've ran as much as 10-12 psi before I got the clearance needed to stop caliper rub. At 10-12 psi if my technique or timing was off at all I bounced it pretty bad too. I have not ran them as low as Steve has but with the 8 psi my take off is between 350 and 400 feet...most of the time when lite.

[efrench]

I don't ever put the tire gauge on them but my Pacer was probably around 6-7 psi. I run 4-5 in the Super Cub but don't like how hard it is to push it out of the hanger. What is your take-off procedure? I would pull a notch of flaps, get the tail up a bit and when she got light pull the rest of the flaps and the yoke.

Thanks Steve, depending on the strip (grass or gravel), I will put in 1 notch of flaps, hold the line and throttle up (I don't hold the brakes on gravel to save the prop). I don't raise the tail, but when I feel it move I'll add gentle back pressure on the yoke and let it fly off. I have a baby Bushwheel on the tail, so there is less rolling resistance to the tailwheel.

I haven't tried grabbing flaps on the take off roll yet (need and EZ Flap but need to recover from the Bushwheels and Borer prop). I know that this is suggested in the POH, but the static shoulder harness, and my paranoia will not easily permit me to lean forward. I like your recommendation of pulling full flaps from a pre-loaded first notch. I'll have to try that.

I did hear one good argument for raising the tail early though for short strips; it improves visibility for the roll. This makes it easier to avoid big rocks, logs, bushes etc.

I run 8 psi in mine now, I've ran as much as 10-12 psi before I got the clearance needed to stop caliper rub. At 10-12 psi if my technique or timing was off at all I bounced it pretty bad too. I have not ran them as low as Steve has but with the 8 psi my take off is between 350 and 400 feet...most of the time when lite.

Thank you for the confirmation.

[Stephen]

I run about 8 psi in my 29's. My usual takeoff is to start with 1 notch flaps, lift tail, then immediately pull in more flaps and pull back. I have the EZ flap handle. About same as what Steve does.

I usually take off on a paved surface.

[efrench]

I run about 8 psi in my 29's. My usual takeoff is to start with 1 notch flaps, lift tail, then immediately pull in more flaps and pull back. I have the EZ flap handle. About same as what Steve does.

Have you measured your take off roll? Are you using paved or gravel/grass?

I'm going to try pulling full flaps next time out and see if I can measure a difference...

Thanks for the feedback

[PACERGUY]

I agree with Steve. When you do pull the second half of flaps it is a smooth application. When it is done right it feels like you are lifting the plane off the ground with the flaps. It takes a little while to get the timing right, if you are too early the tailwheel will let you know. In my cub 6 lbs is about right for everyday flying. On tar the softer the tire the longer the takeoff roll. Flaps will get you off the ground a lot sooner with or without a soft tire.
DENNY

[Stephen]

Yes. I have measured my takeoff and I am breaking ground at about 200 feet.

[efrench]

Yes. I have measured my takeoff and I am breaking ground at about 200 feet.

Holy short take off Batman! That is what I'm looking for. Please tell me more... H.P.? Prop? Empty weight?

[Stephen]

Holy short take off Batman! That is what I'm looking for. Please tell me more... H.P.? Prop? Empty weight?

180 hp

82 inch prop

1060 empty weight-on certified scales.

Done at sea level on pavement, cool day no wind.

How did that Producer stop in 30 feet? What was his takeoff distance?