Have you ever advanced the power, gathered momentum on the runway and pulled back on the yoke or stick at the appropriate airspeed – only to be greeted by a shaking in the controls as you lift off that makes your mind start thinking about pre-stall buffets, your uncomfortably high angle of attack and proximity to the trees?
Since Part 23 airplanes aren’t typically equipped with angle-of-attack indicators, all we have to judge our margin above stall is the airspeed indicator and control feel. But, honestly, when was the last time you had your airspeed indicator calibrated? And are you really certain about your current weight, or whether you cleared all the frost off the wing?
