Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Does anyone regularly fly a T18 off a turf airstrip? I will fly a Teenie II off my hayfield when I get it finished but if a Thorp will handle a turf strip I will go ahead and start the dirt work to go as long as 1600 feet.

Aaron

I have flown my T18 in and out of a 2800ft. well maintained gross strip at sea level many times. No trouble with that at all. I would think 1600 will be a bit short though.

As a low time Thorp Driver my "Roids" go into hiding on anything less than 4500ft of paved asphalt ! John Kerr and I did fly into L77 today for viddles (rates 5 burgers in the $100 hamburger bible). The airport directory sez it is "repaved" 50ft x 4600ft asphalt ? It was 50ft x 4600ft of bumpy ass pavement. The only part we saw that was repaved was the exit ramp area of 24 and the ramp area. Chow was great !

RB

I flew off a 2500ft grass strip in Florida for the first 4 years I owned my airplane. The plane handles fine on grass.

I think as a general rule anything under 2000 ft is pushing it for the T-18.

_________________
Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD

I agree with Lee, although I can generally land in less if need be 2000' is a comfortable minimum for me. I have landed at several grass strips around here and the plane handles it fine, but there can be rough surfaces hiding beneath that nice green, pay attention. Our suspension is not very forgiving but I think the plane is as capable as any other non bush type.

I agree with Lee and David. My rule of thumb is 2000' if I don't know the field (@ #1500).
I I have a choice I take off on seal and land on grass (saves the tyres and shortens the run).
On smooth grass it is an absolute joy but if the grass is tuffted it's tough on the stiff gear.

Tony Schischka
ZK-VMS T18C