I've been thinking about this for a while, we all like to land on other surfaces beside pavement and also cheap fuel. So how do we find them? It would be good to have a list by state or something like that to find out the best (tire and wallet friendly) stops before we go. This is information not necessarily available in AirNav or other guides.

For instance, Buhl Idaho is a great stop; grass next to the runway for turf minded folks and mogas, Cascade, Payette is another one with mogas and dirt available. I'm sure there are many others such as Cascade (undergoing runway renovations, currently). Any thoughts on how to best recognize places like these to make them easier for us to find and patronize?

Maybe Shortfield.com can help us out someway?

We have a fuel page (map) on our website http://www.bcfloatplane.com that members can edit info into, and it's becoming quite the useful tool. Maybe Zane would set up something for you, then you could plant (& tend) the seed & it will grow!

NimpoCub wrote:We have a fuel page (map) on our website http://www.bcfloatplane.com that members can edit info into, and it's becoming quite the useful tool. Maybe Zane would set up something for you, then you could plant (& tend) the seed & it will grow!

Thanks for the idea NC. While I can't see the member map, I can picture how a feature like that would be really useful.

We could just start a thread for each state and put it in the airports and airstrips category. It won't be as convenient as a map but it would still work. Then members could just update it with whatever airports they want and any specific info, and maybe a picture. Here's an example:

At my home airport in Rio Vista, Ca I always land in the grass between the taxiway and the ramp on the left side of runway 25. It is about 900ft usable and 50ft wide. Watch out for the taxiway lights on the far right side and also signs on both ends. It is a short taxi to fuel after landing. Fuel is usually some of the cheapest in the state, 5.25 as of today.

Rob,

Thanks for that input. I think your idea will work well for now and is a good start. We can let it ride for a few days and see what other suggestions come in and if the web magicians can build upon this. Zane is probably spent for a while so I hope we're not causing him to have nightmares...

Mike

Rob,

The information you posted in the Google Earth image is exactly the info that is needed. As far as I'm concerned that local airport knowledge is priceless! I'll see if I can't get one posted for Elko, too. It may take me awhile to figure it out. My PC isn't cooperating with screen shots right now.

We could put a state-sorted list in knowledge-base/destinations. I like to see any kind of map-based data go to Shortfield.com though. Perhaps Chris can extend his database with a "grass-option" field.

Just one caveat from a naturally born skeptic. Before offering up a grass/turf option at your home airport make sure it is actually approved and not just one of those "well, we let the locals do it" things. I'd sure hate to see somebody upside down because of a drainage ditch that was buried in weeds.

Zzz wrote:We could put a state-sorted list in knowledge-base/destinations. I like to see any kind of map-based data go to Shortfield.com though. Perhaps Chris can extend his database with a "grass-option" field.

This would be nice

Just don't do it at Sandpoint Id. I got a talking to by the airport manager after I did so. He was very friendly but firm, no grass landings. Don't ask at Poky or IF either, not happening.

Idaho Falls will not grant permission but they have allowed it by saying "at your own risk." No mogas here though.

Madras Oregon will not grant permission but you can do it at your own risk nobody will say anything! No mogas. I land between the taxiway and the runway on 16-34. South and east of the windsock.

Definitely walk it first there are some hazards you won't see from the air, piles of rocks.

If you have a gas can and a Pacific Pride card you can use my van to go to Pacific Pride and get ethanol free mobile gas two, minute drive.

******************************************

Pacific City Oregon I land in the grass west side of the runway you have about 800 feet real nice usable you need to walk it first! July through October it's real nice the rest of the time it's a swap, not usable!

No mogas but there is a Shell station 2 to 3 minute walk north east from the tiedown area.

Cheers...Rob

courierguy wrote:Just don't do it at Sandpoint Id. I got a talking to by the airport manager after I did so. He was very friendly but firm, no grass landings. Don't ask at Poky or IF either, not happening.

And Idaho is supposed to be an aviation friendly State . McCall doesn't like it either so I go to Cascade instead;

1. grass option,
2. lower priced fuel,
3. great folks running the FBO (Ray Arnold's family),
4. only have to climb to about 7,800 feet to get there from JC,
5. courtesy car to town, and
6. a friendlier place all the way around. They arranged a walk-in haircut for me at Shirley's the last time I was there!

I have landed Idaho Falls using "at own risk" twice with no issues as Whee states above. Who knows, we can all hope that after a while of having a published list of "grass option strips" FBO's will start to take notice that they are loosing business and suggest airport managers become more accommodating.

So maybe something like this?

http://www.backcountrypilot.org/forum/texas-turf-with-fuel-all-strips-12705

Barnstormer wrote:So maybe something like this?

http://www.backcountrypilot.org/forum/texas-turf-with-fuel-all-strips-12705

Yes, spot on with what you've done listing those turf options! I missed that thread somehow - I'm not often in Texas.

What did you use to annotate the photos?

Skitch
http://www.skitch.com