Paul Folbrecht wrote:

I am based at MWC, which has runways of 3100' and 4100'. What I'm
waiting to find out is whether or not 3100 is a REASONABLE AND SAFE
runway length for a Velocity SE at gross on an average day with 160hp
or
180hp. ...... But, from all I've
read, my current conclusion is that 3100' is most likely pushing
it.......

I fly a COZY MKIV with a 180 HP O-360. The performance (TO, climb,
landing) should be pretty close to the SE FG, although the COZY will
cruise faster (I plan for 175 KT block speed, and get it). I fly out of
Fitchburg, MA (KFIT) which has 4500 and 3400 ft. runways, at 350 ft MSL.
Even at gross weight, I rarely take more than 1/2 the long runway to
lift off. I've often flown into 2900 ft. fields, although I wouldn't be
very comfortable trying to get out of there at gross (2155 lb., for my
plane). I can land and stop my plane, at any weight, in less than 2000
ft - usually closer to 1500 ft.

Personally, I would say that MWC is more than adequate and safe for 99%
of the flying that most folks do with a 4-seater - how often do you
really load the plane to gross weight? When I'm alone, I'm off the
ground in about 1500 ft, and if it's cold, even less. I think that even
if you were at gross weight, the 4100 ft runway is completely adequate
except on the hottest of days.

Also, with respect to cost, I've got $70K in my COZY (IFR legal
w/autopilot), and it's one of the more expensive ones, I'm told - most
build for less.

Contact me directly if you like for more detailed info.

--
Marc J. Zeitlin
http://marc.zeitlin.home.comcast.net/
http://www.cozybuilders.org/
Copyright (c) 2004