How to Build a Grass Landing Strip

Last Updated: May 21, 2021

Building your own airstrip is complex and would ordinarily take more space than is normally available in a wikiHow article, so this article will limit itself to the basics only, while giving links to more in-depth sources below.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:
Site Selection

1
Consider the following factors:
- Flatness and/or the amount of work required to level the area.
- Direction of prevailing winds and/or seasonal cross-winds.
- Drainage of area. Slight sloping (2% maximum grade) is okay.
- Cost of construction.
- Access to buildings and or roads.
- Local, State and National guidelines governing private airstrips.
- Crosswind strip if crosswinds are common in your area.
- Safe, barrier free approaches, even if strip will never be used at night.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:
Soil

1
Stability especially in poor weather.
- Note: The suitability of the soil to grow grass often correlates with the suitability of the soil for a landing strip. Too much clay will produce a soupy mess when wet, for example.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:
Minimum Dimensions

1
Dimensions:
- 75 feet (22.9 m) wide in open grassy areas
- 200 feet (61.0 m) wide in wooded areas
- 3,200 feet (975.4 m) in length.
- Note: You must take altitude and average maximum temperature at the hottest time of the year into consideration when planning landing strip length to allow for diminished engine power under conditions for your area. Consult a runway and landing strip nomograph for your area.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:
Preparations for Construction

1
Clear entire area.
2
Completely remove roots of trees and shrubs.
3
Fill in low areas.
4
Eliminate any breaks in grade or surface mounds as well as any ditches.
5
Fill in and compact the soil in any animal burrows.
6
Remove any obstructions at the ends of the strip. Power lines, trees, etc should be removed, lowered and/or lighted.
7
Grade the strip 6 inches (15.2 cm) higher in the middle to improve drainage. Stabilize with topsoil and grass seeding if necessary.
8
Mark airstrip boundaries in such a way as to be visible from the air.
9
Install a wind cone or tetrahedron and mark a circular area around it to draw attention to it from the air.
10
Create a tie-down area away from the airstrip.

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Community Q&A

Question

How long does a runway need to be for small aircraft (Cessna, Piper etc.)?

Community Answer

Cessnas are infamous for being able to land and takeoff with relatively short runway space, and I've landed a Cherokee 140 in 600ft on grass, and been back airborne in about 550.
Question

How far from the end of the runway can residential structures be?

Community Answer

Individual restrictions might vary depending on the state, county, or specific land used, so I would check with your local government to be sure.
Question

What type of grass is used on a grass runway?

Community Answer

Any grass will do. It's the soil that is important as stated in the article.
Question

How do I harden the soil?

Community Answer

Make sure it is well-drained. You could add sand gravel to clay soils but this will add to your cost significantly.
Question

How close to the runway can I put the hangar?

Community Answer

165 feet or more from the runway is the absolute minimum. At least 250 is strongly recommended.
Question

What aircraft can take off from the shortest runway?

WikiaWang

Top Answerer

Usually the Cessna 170, 172, or any other small aircraft. Since they are light and small, they don't require a very long runway.