John Gaquin wrote:

"Matt Whiting" wrote in message news:rR_fg.9222

The only airport that caused me apprehension was Marlboro, MA in my 182.
The runway is less than 1700' in length and has trees at both ends and


I used to instruct at Norwood years ago and would take students to Marlboro
just to show them what the book was talking about. I love the place. Still
there, and apparently healthy.

http://www.airnav.com/airport/9B1

Yes, it is a nice little airport. I only flew in once on a business
trip when we had a facility in Marlboro, but it would be a great place
to take students as you did. It is one thing to practice short field
technique on a 5,000 runway with clear approach and departure and quite
another to do it when it matters.

If it wasn't for knowing that Cessna said my 182 could take off in much
less than 1700' and clear a 50' obstacle, I'd probably not have
attempted a takeoff at Marlboro after lining up and looking at those
trees. They sure looked close and tall!

I'll admit to not looking at them again after beginning the takeoff roll
until I was in the air. I was afraid watching them get closer would
make me want to abort! :-)

The good thing is that the 182 is a pretty decent short-field performer,
especially once you get it into the air. I'm still amazed that it will
climb out at something like 61 MPH with takeoff flaps set. I may be a
little off on the speed as I'm going from 6 year-old memory, but it is
quite slow for an airplane that size and the deck angle is truly impressive.


Matt