I am flying down to Huntsville, AL for my brothers command ceremony June 30. Does anyone know of any grass strips near there? The only one he knows about is Moontown and that is 30 minutes away. I'd like to get closer. I haven't picked up a sectional yet.

http://skyvector.com/#49-29-3-1684-1691

Doesn't really look like there's any other than Moontown, couple of private ones though.

I was hoping for some private ones that were close. Do you all call before you land at private strips? I've only ever had one guy in 25 years tell me not to come back. Flying around and spur of the moment you see some, I usually drop in.

patrol guy wrote:I was hoping for some private ones that were close. Do you all call before you land at private strips? I've only ever had one guy in 25 years tell me not to come back. Flying around and spur of the moment you see some, I usually drop in.

I think if I was the land owner I'd prob appreciate a call, no matter how enamored I was with small planes. It might make it easier for you too, to have the owner in the know so that you can actually tie your bird down and get picked up by someone in a car if you're going to the ceremony.

I had a nice grass strip for 17 years (plowed it up this spring). In that time, a lot of people used it, but without exception, everyone asked. The rules were, that no one used it if it was wet, so there would be no ruts, as it was mowed like a yard. There are liability problems. I only denied one person use of the strip, because he had never gotten a license, and I was concerned about his flying ability (liability).

If it were me, I would identify were those strips in the area of your destination are, get the owner's phone number from the state, or call the local airport, do some networking, to find out about strips-phone numbers and call them. Most people will say yes, but would appreciate being asked ahead of time. To me, not asking, would be no different than someone hunting on your ground without permission. We are all enthusiastic about flying, but in my opinion, there is a protocol to entering someones else's property. Steve