I flew the C's, D's & E's in the Air Force. The C & D model had the non-slotted stabs. On take off the normal procedure was to hold full back stick and go full burner. When the plane rotated, you eased off the back stick after lift off when you reached the climb attitude. On landing you usually hit full back stick just at touchdown. For in-flight maneuvering there was plenty of elevator authority, but on and near the ground, you were limited.

The Air Force E model had the slotted stab with more downward lift. You could make a normal burner take off and pull back stick at take off speed. You could also land the plane normally with a flare.