Dirt vs. Grass Strips?

MarkH

MarkH

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MarkH
I learned to fly on a grass strip, but I have never used a dirt strip.

I am looking at a plane that needs a little work, and when I inquired about hangar space at my closest airport I was informed they have a waitlist for tie downs.

I spoke to someone who may be willing to do a short term space rental in his hangar, but it’s on a dirt strip. (He is not a pilot, so he couldn’t give me any insight about operations).

What benefits and challenges should I prepare for if I choose to operate from a dirt strip?
 
Do a rolling runup to prevent damage to the prop, otherwise there's nothing magical compared to a grass strip, assuming drainage is adequate.
 
Typically not flying when too wet… that’s about it unique to the surface.
 
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You could do worse. :D
 
No loss of braking traction when wet. Advantage dirt.

If the dirt is wet or the temp near freezing your tires may pick up stones and throw them i to the prop. Watch your tires as you taxi and if the stones are sticking? Power up slowly.
 
Your avatar says you're Las Vegas based, we have some pretty 'sporty' dirt strips near here, if you tell me which one, perhaps I could advise.
 
Alien Mind said:
Your avatar says you're Las Vegas based, we have some pretty 'sporty' dirt strips near here, if you tell me which one, perhaps I could advise.
Click to expand...

In this case, the strip is not near Vegas, but I would be curious about your thoughts on Kidwell/Cal-Nev-Ari.
 
Growing up, we used what was supposed to be a grass strip, but it was mostly dirt! If you can, I recommend wheel pants and we added a rubberized tape to the leading edge of the tail. We used the tape to cover the dents caused by rocks, but it probably would have been better as a preventative measure!
 
What is the airplane.??

I have been on dirt strips and off airport work but I have never been on a grass strip. But I do concur with rolling runups. And yoke in the stomach when moving for nose wheel A/C.
 
I'm mostly looking at Wittman Tailwinds. Tube and fabric fuse with wood/glass or metal wings.
 
Landing on a dirt strip is like landing on a paved runway,depending how much it’s used. Stay away from any mud.
 
Rocks suck, mud can turn you upside down.
Be prepared to clean your plane, thoroughly, after flying.
 
Kidwell's runway is actually well looked after (well, it was when I last landed approx 2 years ago..). I flew in with a PA28 with wheel pants and had no problem; it's mostly hard packed sand with some gravel and was pleasantly flat. Remember to do a rolling take-off though to avoid prop damage.
 
Oh and... You might want to see if any spaces available at Sandy Valley (assuming you live in Vegas, it's a MUCH shorter drive than CalNevAri)
 
I landed on lots of dirt and one gravel in Australia when I was flying there. As pointed out, start slow, and keep moving. Pull power while not moving is going to suck stuff into the prop. I live on a grass strip now.
 
Grass is good, dirt (sand rock ) is hard on props and paint on lower fuselage.
I love the runway where flyingron lives BTW :).
 
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