jsbc wrote:Promised an update. So I borrowed some cash and went for a used Highlander down in the US. 912S and will put it on decent-sized main wheels. Picking it up in a couple of weeks. Love the way it flies and should give me some pretty good STOL performance. Thanks for all the advice. I'll update when I've had it running a bit.

With a 912S Highlander you just bought some margin for your short strip. I congratulate you on your wise choice. They say wisdom comes at a price but its better paid for with borrowed cash than dirty underwear.

X2 on Dirtstrip's response, IMHO.

700 feet, with trees, and one-way... sooner or later you would have a serious problem with any "normal" airplane. The highlander and the 701/750 series, and the other airplanes in that category, are the only choices anywhere near your price range that give you the margin for bad days, gusts, over-loads, etc. when the stakes are that high.