I operate a DG-400 almost exclusively off grass...my takeoff ground roll is
consistently between 700 and 800 feet, depending on wind, weight and density
altitude...the DG climbs out about 600 fpm. The most noticeable difference
between launching off grass vs. Hard surfaces, is how much quicker I can get
the wing up off the ground on hard surfaces...I never have a wing runner so
you learn to compensate. I generally start my takeoff runoff run with the
left wing down, and the nose slightly angled off the runway heading
generally to the left with the glider a bit off center to the right (
reverse if wind is reversed ) It is very easy to get the wing up in 50 to
100 feet, the big key is to keep the tail on the ground for the initial part
of the takeoff run ( steerable tailwheel on the DG-400 is a blessing) Once
the wings are level with good aileron control, raise the tail and accelerate
to rotation speed...I have watched the AC5m launch only once, and it didn't
look like any more trouble than my ship once the guy was in position to
launch...he did need help getting to that point, where the DG can just taxi
up and launch all by itself...Tom Seim is totally right in his assessment of
distance...when my runway is soft or muddy...the takeoff run easily exceeeds
1000 ft and you have to be very judicious in your use of adding power early
in the takeoff run being careful not to use so much power to nose over,
instead slowly letting the aircraft accelerate as the wings begin taking
weight off the wheel...it can be a balancing act some days...I have a few
times, had to abort a takeoff and move to higher/dryer ground due to the
high loading placed on the single main wheel when it is very soft and the
wheel actually sinks into the ground...( the joys of winter soaring) Not to
mention pull lots of mud mess out of the wheel well after a flight in those
conditions...at first, if I were you, I'd try to stick to firmer
grass...avoid soft muddy wet areas...and ENJOY!!!


Steve Hill
(sierra hotel)
DG-400