One important skill
you'll probably use when operating from a grass strip is
short-soft technique. Particularly with takeoffs, this
is a combination of short field procedures and soft
field procedures.
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Assuming a
relatively firm surface, this graphic shows you
how to use short-soft field technique on a grass
runway. It starts out as a standard short field
set up. Unlike a soft field takeoff, you don't
keep moving. Use all available runway and then
stop. Hold the brakes and apply full takeoff
power. Then, release the brakes and transition
into soft field mode.
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Remember that even the most finely
manicured grass runway is still rougher than pavement.
In tricyle gear airplanes, it is important to keep
weight off the nose wheel any time the airplane is
moving. Even when taxiing. This will minimize the bumps
your nose strut must absorb. This issue of holding back
on the controls is not just for takeoff. Remember these
four factors as mentioned in the video:
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