Soft-Rough-Field Takeoff And Climb

Takeoffs and climbs from soft fields require the use of
operational techniques for getting the airplane airborne
as quickly as possible to eliminate the drag caused by
tall grass, soft sand, mud, and snow, and may or may
not require climbing over an obstacle. The technique
makes judicious use of ground effect and requires a
feel for the airplane and fine control touch. These same
techniques are also useful on a rough field where it is
advisable to get the airplane off the ground as soon as
possible to avoid damaging the landing gear.

Soft surfaces or long, wet grass usually reduces the airplane's acceleration during the takeoff roll so much
that adequate takeoff speed might not be attained if
normal takeoff techniques were employed.

It should be emphasized that the correct takeoff
procedure for soft fields is quite different from
that appropriate for short fields with firm, smooth
surfaces. To minimize the hazards associated with
takeoffs from soft or rough fields, support of the
airplane's weight must be transferred as rapidly
as possible from the wheels to the wings as the
takeoff roll proceeds. Establishing and maintaining a relatively high angle of attack or nose-high
pitch attitude as early as possible does this. Wing
flaps may be lowered prior to starting the takeoff
(if recommended by the manufacturer) to provide
additional lift and to transfer the airplane's weight
from the wheels to the wings as early as possible.

Stopping on a soft surface, such as mud or snow, might
bog the airplane down; therefore, it should be kept in
continuous motion with sufficient power while lining
up for the takeoff roll.