Tristar
Pattern Altitude
I was recently sent a few pictures of a grass strip from my home town by one of the residents. This airpark is close to Gastons in the degree of turf quality although can have problems draining. Quite frustrating although it brings up a question. How soft is too soft?
This rut was created by a twin that had flown into the airpark after diverting from a heavy rain shower.
I can't quite figure this PIC's justification on continuing the landing. The airstrip is obviously marked with an X. A CFI and a student were on a practice flight out of a local class D when they decided to come here. The student saw the X and pointed it out to the CFI from which the CFI said not to worry and that he had been there before. As you can see, their wheels came within feet of the clearly marked X. He'll be given a bill for the damage.
Except for obvious distinctions such as puddles on the runway or even clearly marked Xs. Flying into a grass strip should be given some thought before barging in. What are some ideas to make grass landings a pleasurable experience? You obviously want to be carefull or not land at all if there has been a heavy rain storm. I've seen other helpfull ways such as getting opinions from others who have landed or walking the airstrip itself. I've also heard you can call some of the locals on the field. This airfeild inparticular shuts down after a heavy rain such as after a hurricane.
I also understand that some aircraft such as ultralights may fare better than a heavier aircraft such as a baron. Either way, ruining a runway is not the friendliest way to leave your "mark" on the aviation public.
This rut was created by a twin that had flown into the airpark after diverting from a heavy rain shower.
I can't quite figure this PIC's justification on continuing the landing. The airstrip is obviously marked with an X. A CFI and a student were on a practice flight out of a local class D when they decided to come here. The student saw the X and pointed it out to the CFI from which the CFI said not to worry and that he had been there before. As you can see, their wheels came within feet of the clearly marked X. He'll be given a bill for the damage.
Except for obvious distinctions such as puddles on the runway or even clearly marked Xs. Flying into a grass strip should be given some thought before barging in. What are some ideas to make grass landings a pleasurable experience? You obviously want to be carefull or not land at all if there has been a heavy rain storm. I've seen other helpfull ways such as getting opinions from others who have landed or walking the airstrip itself. I've also heard you can call some of the locals on the field. This airfeild inparticular shuts down after a heavy rain such as after a hurricane.
I also understand that some aircraft such as ultralights may fare better than a heavier aircraft such as a baron. Either way, ruining a runway is not the friendliest way to leave your "mark" on the aviation public.