Grass Runway Length??

[stancaruthers]

Just stepped off north/south and I could do 1200' easy and 1500' if I move a cattle lot. The east west would be 1700
Understanding longer is better Who feels 1200 is too short

[jeffkersey]

With a good, smooth, turf field, low density alt, and no Obstructions. It is quite doable based on my experience with a 180hp and a fixed pitch cruise prop. That is not for beginners and you will need to be on your game approaching near the bottom of the flight envelop. Practice at a wide open, paved airfield with touchdown markings. If you can consistently take off and land well short of the touch down markings, you should be have reasonable margin to account for the induced drag of the grass.

All that said, 1700 is much better and if you have it why not use it? Does the wind favor north and south?

Just my 2 cents. Be careful, have fun...

[Mel]

I have 1500' (17/35) and wouldn't want any less for consistent operations. I have asphalt now but used grass for many years.

Yeah, I could get by with 1200' but wouldn't be comfortable long term.

[grubbat]

If no trees or obstructions, then 1200 is ok. I've got 1400 with trees and I wouldn't want it any shorter.

[rv7charlie]

Sure, it's doable. But find an accommodating grass strip & mark off 1200' in the middle. Pick a summer day right after a hard rain when it's still gusty & the wind is switching directions. Fly over there & do it, after you've worked on something all morning.

Not every day is perfect, and you'll need to come home some day when it isn't.

Charlie

[N941WR]

With 1200' you had better be on your game every single time.

Also, if there is a bumpy crosswind, you will want a bit longer.

[stancaruthers]

Thanks for the feedback, my dream may dwindle, I just cant stretch it anymore....1400 is it.

[wilddog]

1400' with clear approaches would work just ok for me but be ready to go around if you find yourself a little fast on final. A gustily crosswind would be a problem as would wet grass. Do you have anther more suitable airport nearby to use if you can't get into yours?

[MikeyDale]

1400 with clear approach so you can put the wheels on the threshold would be fine, especially when you have a breeze down the runway. Use the longer East West strip for calm winds and heavy take offs. I have 1700' slightly downhill with highlines 200' from the threshold that I like to give plenty of room. Sometimes I have to use my brakes pretty heavy if its calm and I'm loaded pretty heavy.

[stancaruthers]

Originally Posted by wilddog

1400' with clear approaches would work just ok for me but be ready to go around if you find yourself a little fast on final. A gustily crosswind would be a problem as would wet grass. Do you have anther more suitable airport nearby to use if you can't get into yours?

Yes, I have a 50X60 complete with living quarters at KXBP (6 miles away) but I'm almost ready to start construction on my LAST house which is on my farm property.
My dream was to sell my hanger at KXBP and have everything right out my back door, can't get any better than that.
This was part of the reason for selling the Bonanza and buying the 8, also reduce taxes and insurance. Taxes on Ag exempt property is way cheaper than City taxes at my home drone.
PLUS ++ I can't think of anything more enjoyable than having my new found RV friends fly in and bull_hit.

I will figure this out one way or the other, and thanks again for the feedback.


Many phrases come to mind with 1300'
*don't try this at home*
*not for beginners*
*enter at your own risk*
*hold my beer at watch this*
*watch for cows*

LOL