Take off & Landing Distances

Question.  What is the shortest runway you feel comfortable flying into or out of?

For the FAA knowledge test you are required to interpolate six ways to Sunday to come up with a number.  But is this number realistic?  Most likely, No!   Consider these numbers where done with a test pilot flying a new airplane with a new engine, tires and brakes.  Did you also notice that all those numbers are using a short field technique?

So knowing that, what is the shortest runway you feel comfortable with?  The AOPA recommends adding 50% to the POH numbers.  The FAA requires commercial operator to be able to land within 70% of the available runway length. 

Run the number and add the recommendations above.  Are you comfortable yet?  I'm betting not.  This may lead you to developing a person minimum.  Take the time to think about it.  If you have a runway over run, you can bet the you be asked you distance and how you calculated it.  Don't let it be a WAG!