manu damaschin Posted October 11, 2014 Report Posted October 11, 2014 I just finished my country home with my private grass runway...Is the short field performance of a 201 vs 231 so much better (the books are indicated around 500ft difference in takeoff at MTOW and ISA)...? Of course 231 is heavier when empty, has a more forward CG and has a greater MTOW...but it is also more powerfull. I flew my 231 from grass runways but never tried a 201...so every 201 short field experience would help! Thank you guys! Manu
carusoam Posted October 11, 2014 Report Posted October 11, 2014 What is the altitude (ft msl) of the strip? This may be helpful...? Best regards, -a-
Bob_Belville Posted October 11, 2014 Report Posted October 11, 2014 Romania has the Carpathian mountains, similar to the Appalachians, but I suspect he's not dealing with high density altitude take offs. Most of the population lives in the equivalent of NJ.
jlunseth Posted October 11, 2014 Report Posted October 11, 2014 I have about 20 hours in the 201 and around 900 in my 231. Aside from what the books say, the 201 feels like a light airplane. As far as short fields go, I have done quite a few in my 231. My personal minimum is 2300 feet. There should be no problem with that, but you do need good technique. I have never found the takeoffs to be the issue, it is the landings that feel dicier, and being able to manage airspeed correctly esp. on final. The technical data in the POH is only somewhat helpful. The variables that make it interesting are conditions at the field, such as strong winds, gusts, or that tall tree in the final approach path that makes you stay high and then drop it in. My perception was that the 201 might get off the ground faster, but had the greater tendency to float on landing. 1
manu damaschin Posted October 11, 2014 Author Report Posted October 11, 2014 Airfield elevation is 380ft so not a high one... I also operated my 231 from a 2100 ft grass runway with no problem...but here I have only 1400 ft, this is why I am thinking of a 201...
aaronk25 Posted October 11, 2014 Report Posted October 11, 2014 A 201 will always use less runway when the engine is able to make close to full power, lower density altitude. However the turbo really starts pulling ahead at DA of 5k. Would I buy a 201 or 231 because of the take off roll? No.
aaronk25 Posted October 11, 2014 Report Posted October 11, 2014 One more thought to help you feel good about a F. The only real difference in speed of 10kts or even if it was 20kts is bragging rights with your buddies. You will be able to fly faster than the pipers on 20% or more less gas. I've been wanting to trade up to a turbo but unless it's a Rocket (200-210kts or more) it doesn't make sense to get rid of "the devil you know" for the "the new devil" with a bunch of surprises just to gain 20kts.... 1
kmyfm20s Posted October 11, 2014 Report Posted October 11, 2014 Mark off 1400 ft on you current grass strip and see how you do. 1400 is tight and It all depends on what on each end of the runway. The 201 is very light and can easily be flown power on in ground effect, cut the throttle and wheels drop to the ground. You have to be willing to land on top of whatever your flying over in ground effect. If you have a problems with power your going to land on it and hopefully it's only cause some damage and not injuries. Im sure you already know this since your already landing on 2100' strip. I have no experience in a 231 and haven't done it on grass with my past 201, just a good dirt strip which was flat but unfriendly at each end.
manu damaschin Posted October 12, 2014 Author Report Posted October 12, 2014 Thank you all for inputs...! Manu
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