Sport Pilot Talk

MikeM · Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 62 Location: Bucyrus, Ohio

I made my first landing on grass yesterday. I know it's old stuff to many of the people out there, but it was a thrill for me. My wife and I flew to Warren airport (62D) for a fly-in and landed on the grass strip there. They have a paved runway but it's only 30 ft wide, while the grass strip is 140 ft wide. Final approach was right down a taxiway with airplanes lined up along side.

When I departed I decided to use the paved runway as I wasn't sure about the CTLS's performance on grass on a 90 degree day. Those trees at the end of the grass runway looked awfully close and tall. The paved runway had trees on both sides and at the end but it seemed like a better choice. We had no problems on takeoff and my wife commented on how neat it was to take off and fly between the trees before we climbed out.

P.S. My landing was really smooth, I guess you coould say I "grassed it on". :D

glyn · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 120 Location: Texas

if the choice ever comes up, choose grass.. saves the tires :D .. good cut grass is really no different than pavement. BUT, some good tall grass is a different story. great for landing, bit of a drag when taking off.