enewmen
Well-Known Member
Hi all.
I'm getting closer to getting a grass strip in Wisconsin & an airplane kit and I also need to think about winter and snow. In Wisconsin, snow can be on the ground a long time from December to April (I guess).
For a hypothetical grass strip of 1500' clear on both ends (the biggest I can find), I was thinking of a lightweight tail dragger (even contemplating a STOL gyrocopter) that can be fitted with snow skis in the cold months.
The problem is if I takeoff from snow covered grass with skis, I'll be limited to landing on other grass strips covered with snow. Paved municipal airports will likely be plowed and I'll need wheels to land.
So if I want to land on a larger number of airports in winter, will it be better to thoroughly plow my grass strip and keep the wheels on?
If I keep the wheels on, I may as well get a faster cross-country type airplane like Vans or Sling. Or don't even think about a Vans taking off from icy grass - even if well plowed ?
How is flying normally done in winter from small grass to small grass or small grass to larger paved (non-towered/towered) airports?
thanks!
I'm getting closer to getting a grass strip in Wisconsin & an airplane kit and I also need to think about winter and snow. In Wisconsin, snow can be on the ground a long time from December to April (I guess).
For a hypothetical grass strip of 1500' clear on both ends (the biggest I can find), I was thinking of a lightweight tail dragger (even contemplating a STOL gyrocopter) that can be fitted with snow skis in the cold months.
The problem is if I takeoff from snow covered grass with skis, I'll be limited to landing on other grass strips covered with snow. Paved municipal airports will likely be plowed and I'll need wheels to land.
So if I want to land on a larger number of airports in winter, will it be better to thoroughly plow my grass strip and keep the wheels on?
If I keep the wheels on, I may as well get a faster cross-country type airplane like Vans or Sling. Or don't even think about a Vans taking off from icy grass - even if well plowed ?
How is flying normally done in winter from small grass to small grass or small grass to larger paved (non-towered/towered) airports?
thanks!