First of all C models were never ment to take-off or land with a full load. After thirteen months of flying slicks I went to the gun platoon. After being shot down three times and several close calls I decided it was time for a change. The first time I took-off in a gunship I really started having my doubts about going into the Crocs. It took forever to get any speed up to hit transitional lift. Than once we actually got into the air it was like climbing a mountain while towing a chevy behind you. When we got to altitude and started to fly she would move with as the grace of a bird. Landing was also great with fourteen ten pound rockets and four trays of mini-gun ammo. Our swan would become this big rock. Getting shot at didn't bother me as much as take-offs and landings. The best way to decribe it is like a do-it-yourself root canal.