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Dear Sirs,
just a few thoughts on the 336 V 337 operating out of a short dirt strip.
The 336 has a gross weight of only 3900 lbs but the same power allowing for shorter takeoffs and landings based on power/weight and wing loading. The 336 maintenance manual lists the 800/6.00 main tire and the 600/6.00 nose tire as "OPTIONAL" which allows for their use without STCs etc. This will give a little more prop clearance as well as the ability to handle a rougher runway surface ( trial and error will determine a good tire pressure for your particular runway).
As one who flies off the shorter strips this is the technique I use;
Flaps are down to a point that matches full aileron deflection.
1) Rear engine to 20 inches with front at idle until the aircraft reaches approx 15 knots (use GPS if needed to guage the speed)
2) Rear engine smoothly to full power.Checkguages!
3) Once aircraft begins to accelerate at a normal rate (for this condition) smoothly apply full power to the front engine.Check guages!
4) Rotate at 55 KIAS.
The process of starting the takeoff roll on just the rear engine will help to protect the rear prop, and also stop you from trying to get airborne on only the front engine if the rear has quit for some reason.(if yours ever does this find out why and fix it)
Do all taxiing and initial takeoff run with front engine at idle or you will damage the rear prop.
Before begining the takeoff roll have a planned distance down the runway that you must reach rotation speed by, or you must abort to allow room to stop.
Flown this way my 336 with HORTON and VG's can operate out of a 1000 ft grass runway at sea level with full fuel and two people on board (approx 3600 lbs takeoff weight). The only thing to remember is that the rotation speed of 55 KIAS is significantly below the single engine best rate or angle of climb speed. If you loose an engine you will have to fly level on the remaining engine and build enough speed to climb away at single engine climb speed.
Remember on the 336 you do not have to be concerned with the drag of raising the gear, of course 337 owners can install the RT Aerospace kit and delete the rear doors which removes the drag penalty when the gear is cycled.
Just my thoughts
James T Grant
N3845U
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