Take off from runway intersections

[gyrosa]

[quote="FO Gyro"]I've been following the thread on Avcom. My opinion: I don't see any problem with taking off half way down a 1 600m runway. He still had 800m left, which is plenty for a gyro. He could even do a 180 turn after experiencing an engine failure, and safely land back on the runway. The 20ft over the upwind end of the threshold maybe wasn't the cleverest though. That part I wouldn't agree with.

I have to agree in part with FO gyro in that taking off from a 1600 meter runway is okay PROVIDED that you have communicated this to ATC or other pilots in the circuit (in the case of an unmanned airfield. HOWEVER, and this is the issue that I will carry to my grave - Never turn back and land on the runway in any event. The reason why I say this is that there could be a guy with radio failure on finals that you did not see and eyeballing another pilot at speed is not a very good idea. We were all taught the basic rule of 15 degrees either side of center line. Apply it!!! Don't write in the accident report later on that it was a good idea to turn back and you found yourself face to face with another plane. The SACAA will not be too kind on that one.
As far as T-Birds statement goes, I agree 100% with him. There is usually no reason, especially Springs, to do a intersection take off. To clear the trees with 20 feet, 20 meters or even 200 feet in a gyro is sheer madness because if that engine does stop, your rate of decent is about 1200-1500 feet per minute in a straight line glide. You do the maths to see where you hit the ground and if you agrevate it with a 180 degree turn, the rate of decent is even more!!!!
Let us presume that the pilot in the gyro takes off from Rnwy 03 (Springs and uses the full length. Over the hospital his altitude is 1200 above ground. Engine out!!!
At 1200 feet per minute rate of decent he has 1 minute. At 1500 feet (closer to the actual figure) he has 48secs. Best glide is usually around 60mph. In the first case he will travel a theoretical distance of 1 mile. In the second case he will travel a 3/4 mile. The hospital is just less than a 1/2 mile from the threshold of Rnwy 21. Include a 180 degree turn back to the runway, and our gyro has a problem!!!!
Apply what you where taught!!!!