Realistic Take-Off Distance

[Hercules222]

How short will the XL take off? Or, more importantly, What engine will get it off the ground in the shortest distance? I have been collecting pieces and parts for a couple of years now, and it's time to decide whether or not I really want to build this thing. I have 500' of pasture at my place that can be massaged into a decent runway, but I have power lines just 300' past my property line. That gives me 800' over a 50' obstacle. Is this a reasonable expectation?

[leshoman]

First questions are what is the field elevation and how much do you weight. Also what is your flying experience.  Is there a option to either turn before power line or fly under it. Sometimes the power company will drop the lines below ground to provide a clear way.

[Hercules222]

I am at 1400' (western Iowa). I weigh 150 and don't plan on changing that any time soon. Let's say I have virtually no experience. I flew quite a bit with my Grandpa when he was still flying, but he lost his medical cert. 15 years ago.  I will be working on my sport pilot certificate while I am building. My goal with the XL is to be able to fly without having to drive to the airport, and to be able to fly while saving for a "real" airplane.

[leshoman]

If there are fences at each end of the 500 ft it cuts the distance for takeoff/landing considerably. For a very experienced pilot the 500 feet may be doable but for a low time pilot i would believe asking for problems. Getting off the ground in grass will take about 200 to 300 feet but once in the air will take a while to build speed to get more elevation.  You would want the XL, built light with a 42 or 45 hp cassler 1/2VW with climb prop.

[Hercules222]

Thank you very much for your insight! I actually have about 660' between the fences, but the one end doesn't drain well and can stay swampy long after a rain. Luckily that is the downhill end (10' of drop in 660') anyway so it actually would give me a little more time to clear the fence. Forgive me for my ignorance, but you would still recommend the 1/2 vw over the Verner with its larger prop and I presume higher static thrust?

[leshoman]

The Verner 3V has more thrust and would get you off the ground faster.