Advice - test flying from turf?

[Nomex Maximus]

Just wondering...

I am aware of the discussions about RVs on turf fields. However, could some of you give me your opinions of whether doing the initial test flights from a turf field would be wise or do-able?

Thanks

JCB

[Geico266]

I need more info. Nose or tail dragger? Length & condition of runway? Have you walked it to look for gopher holes, ect? Have you flowen off this strip before?

Having said that, I prefer grass, but RV's love pavement too.

[Ron Lee]

Initial flight test conditions should maximize the chance of success (minimize bad outcomes). This includes many things to include checking all appropriate connections, your experience, weather and runway condition. Are you adding unneeded risk just for convenience?

We already had one 7A damaged recently because the pilot used a turf strip that was unsuitable.

[Nomex Maximus]

Originally Posted by Ron Lee

Initial flight test conditions should maximize the chance of success (minimize bad outcomes). This includes many things to include checking all appropriate connections, your experience, weather and runway condition. Are you adding unneeded risk just for convenience?

We already had one 7A damaged recently because the pilot used a turf strip that was unsuitable.

Yeah, I guess I see your point. I just hate having to drive 20-30 miles to get to the airplane.

I am building a 7A. I have no turf experience.

Anyhow, the field that was in question: http://www.airnav.com/airport/41c

[N941WR]

2,200 feet is short for a first flight, unless you are very current in the same make and model of airplane you are about to test fly, IMHO.

My airport is paved 2,300' x 30' and all I did was take off and fly to a 5,500 foot paved runway for the first landing after flying around for 1/2 an hour getting the feel of it.

After an inspection I flew it back to my home base and did a text book perfect landing.

Your 7A will easily accelerate and stop on a 2,200 paved runway but grass has a lot of variables (Length, roughness, wet, etc.)

[Ron Lee]

Originally Posted by Nomex Maximus

I just hate having to drive 20-30 miles to get to the airplane.

Don't take offense. But I can massage your comment to say "I don't want to land to check the dark skies ahead." or "I don't want to make a fuel stop since I think I have enough to get to my destination." or "I have to keep going or I will miss work."

I am not making your decision for you but around 75% of fatal accidents are attributable to pilot error.

Foot stomp.

[morlino]

Originally Posted by Nomex Maximus

I am aware of the discussions about RVs on turf fields. However, could some of you give me your opinions of whether doing the initial test flights from a turf field would be wise or do-able?

Originally Posted by Nomex Maximus

I am building a 7A. I have no turf experience.

I would minimize the number of things that are unfamiliar to you for your first flight. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do what you want to do, but take the time to prepare yourself.... Get some experience with turf runways (specifically the one you want to use). Become very comfortable on turf. And when you do 7A transition training fly that on and off of a turf runway too, preferably the same turf runway that you want to use for your first flight. As someone else suggested, you can take off from there if you are comfortable doing so and then make your first landing somewhere else. There are plenty of things that can go wrong on your first flight; skew the odds in your favor as much as possible.

(take this for what it is: free advice from someone who's never done this before either...)

[vic syracuse]

I would encourage you to find an EAA FLight Advisor in your area. It's a really great program that can help identify ALL of the variables specific to you and your airplane to insure a safe first flight.

Vic

[rocketbob]

Originally Posted by Nomex Maximus

Just wondering...

I am aware of the discussions about RVs on turf fields. However, could some of you give me your opinions of whether doing the initial test flights from a turf field would be wise or do-able?

Thanks

JCB

We've had quite a few first flights on our grass strip, amongst that two RV's in the past two years. To me it doesn't make a bit of difference, RV's are well at home on either (paved or grass).

[Kahuna]

Based on your experience, I would not recommend turf. Would you be comfortable with a dead stick on departure at this location?

Long runways, emergency equipment, access to help, are just a few of the things to consider. Give yourself the best options for success. Plan for the best, expect the worse.

Best,