orangemtl Posted October 4, 2011 Report Share Posted October 4, 2011 I'm going to remain in the 'chicken' camp: particularly given six cylinders and long body. Grass strips and the out-of-the-way destinations are appealing, but: given the cost of repairs, I think I'll just buy an Ercoupe for grass excursions, if I feel an irresistible need... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJBrown Posted October 5, 2011 Report Share Posted October 5, 2011 I think landing a Missile on grass is a poor decision. The extra weight out front cuts the margin for safety. Plus the cost of repairs will be higher in the Missile than it would be in a 4 cyl Mooney. I had grass stains on the propeller just from taxiing at Oshkosh. I also had a prop strike on a Rocket while following a lineman into the grass at an airshow. Directed me right in to a gofer hole. If they want me off the pavement I shut down and walk it before risking damage. The upside is so small and the downside is so long and expensive. Think of the hassle. Stuck on a strip with no services. No way home. Embarrassing call to the insurance company. Get a AP to drive out and get the prop off, wait for it to get fixed. Then he drives back to put it on just so you can ferry it to where they can then pull the engine for a tear-down. 2 months minimum. For the first month the plane sits in the mud/rain/snow/hail while you wait for the prop. Forget the macho BS. 360 cubic inch Mooneys make questionable off pavement airplanes 520+ cubic inches make them even worse. I am not saying it can't be done. With proper technique and no surprises odds are in your favor. But when one gofer can ruin your day why risk it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetdriven Posted October 5, 2011 Report Share Posted October 5, 2011 I often wonder about how many airplanes at OSH or other events get prop strikes. There does seem to be a pretty big risk for it and no way to see gopher holes. We did taxi at OSH but it really makes me nervous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fantom Posted October 5, 2011 Report Share Posted October 5, 2011 Quote: jetdriven We did taxi at OSH but it really makes me nervous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooney-cfi Posted October 5, 2011 Report Share Posted October 5, 2011 I have approx 7000 hours in 4 cyl and 6 cyl Mooneys. On many occasions I have flown in and out of grass strips with the 4 cyl C and E models with no sweat and no uncomfortable feeling. The 6 cylinder models are another story particularly the 231's and the Rockets. So, 4 cyl yes, 6 cyl on hard surface only for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dale Posted October 5, 2011 Report Share Posted October 5, 2011 I have plenty of time landing my old M20E on grass strips. My dad had a 2000 foot grass airstrip just west of the Lantanna Airport in Palm Beach, where we kept the plane. The M20E handled grass strips very very well. I took it in and out of many grass strips in Florida, including the Belle Glade airport before they got a paved runway. I never had any problems with the M20E on any of the grass strips I flew into. In fact, I felt that landing the Mooney on the grass strip was actually easier on the landing gear than on a paved runway. Our mechanic agreed, provided you are using the correct technique for grass strips and hold the nose up all throughout the landing and takeoff roll. On the other hand, I now have an M20K model and it is certainly nose heavy, without a doubt. I feel confident I could get it in and out of a good grass strip, without a problem. However, I tend to agree that it would be more of a problem than the M20E and the chances of a problem arising are much greater than the lighter M20E due to the fact that the M20k is a bit heavier in the nose. I also believe the gear doors on the M20K are lower than the gear doors on the M20E and I believe that could also present a problem on a grass strip, if the grass was not closely mown. I do not have a problem flying an M20E from a good grass strip, but I would have second thoughts about flying the M20K out of the same grass strip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MARZ Posted October 6, 2011 Report Share Posted October 6, 2011 Quote: jetdriven I often wonder about how many airplanes at OSH or other events get prop strikes. There does seem to be a pretty big risk for it and no way to see gopher holes. We did taxi at OSH but it really makes me nervous. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seth Posted October 6, 2011 Report Share Posted October 6, 2011 After my first few landings in the Missile, I would not land on grass. That may change in time, but with the gear doors I looked at very closely on the pre-flight, the weight of the engine up front, and overhuall heavy aspect of the airplane, which in turn could hurt the fuel tanks wth twisting and a non smooth surface, I would NOT land on grass at this time in the Missile. I'd buy a C-182, C-172, maybe a 170 or a T-6 for that! -Seth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Posted October 6, 2011 Report Share Posted October 6, 2011 Quote: maropers Following the taxi to camp the tips of my prop had a distinct green tint - like what is left on my tennis shoes after cutting the lawn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MARZ Posted October 6, 2011 Report Share Posted October 6, 2011 Quote: Hank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Posted October 7, 2011 Report Share Posted October 7, 2011 Mike-- I'm in annual now, right after finishing a group Young Eagles event involving taxiing in/out for dropoff/pickup through recently-mown grass. I had 'stuff' along half the length of the blades . . . Obviously the grass was not that long, nor did I bury the nose in the ground to get grass that high. Just be careful about going to a grass strip the day after heavy rain. In Texas right now, I understand that is not an issue? Have lots of fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetdriven Posted October 7, 2011 Report Share Posted October 7, 2011 Taxiing on grass gives me this uneasy feeling, like running LOP, running a tank dry, or a ten mile final Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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