Mooney's on Grass

[luv737s]

This was Recklaw fly in 2020.  I will admit it was not muddy like the previous year, but no problems this year.  If you live in Texas ya gotta come to Recklaw 2021.

https://s.real.com/DOBZoe

[steingar]

My one turf landing was memorable, it was in the middle of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan on a 2500 foot heavily occluded turf strip.  Thought I was going to shake the Mooney apart.  There's a guy who flies his red Mooney into the craziest of short strips, I wonder if that was him in the video.

[Jim Peace]

I have landed my C model on 2600 foot grass many times (7FL4)....its a non event....usually have to add power to get to the other end...

Landed at Leeward Air ranch many times as well (FD04)...that is really a non event.....

 

[Oscar Avalle]

Mooneys land well on grass. You just have to be careful that the ground is smooth... I do a lot of landings on grass runways. Not a big deal. 

 

https://youtu.be/mY6hFoLrEC8

[RobertGary1]

Just now, Oscar Avalle said:

Mooneys land well on grass. You just have to be careful that the ground is smooth... I do a lot of landings on grass runways. Not a big deal. 

 

https://youtu.be/mY6hFoLrEC8

I'd say Mooney do well on some grass. Its relative. When I had the J-3 and Aeronca the fields we used would destroy a Mooney. Just have to know the field conditions. I've also landed my Mooney on the beach in the sand. But I knew it would be hard packed.

 

-Robert

[flyboy0681]

My ex-partner put her down on grass and it chewed up the inner gear doors to the point where I had them removed.

[PeteMc]

I'd probably fly into Basin Harbor, VT(B06) with the lower gear doors on (after a call).  But when I was out in the NW years ago I pulled the lower gear doors before going into Cavanaugh Bay, ID (66S). 

66S is well maintained and pretty smooth (or at least it used to be), but the grass is a kept a little on the long side, so there's a good chance it would tear up the lower doors.

[luv737s]

Agree, you have to know the field conditions.  Last year at Recklaw I would not have flown in, at least 8 in of mud/soft grass!!

[A64Pilot]

I’m based on a grass strip, it’s not real smooth either but OK.’

There is also a TLS Mooney based here as well, so far we are fine.

‘Not all soft fields are grass, and not all grass is soft. Once you get used to grass, you’ll prefer it over pavement, it’s kinder on the aircraft.

Edited March 17, 2021 by A64Pilot