REFLECTOR: XLRG on Grass

[Chuck Jensen]

I own a Velo (XL RG 340) that was flown the first 40 hours off Leeward. Not
Recommended.  The prop looked like it'd been used as a weed-wacker and
someone sandblasted it with a peck of pebbles.  Yes, Leeward is
well-manicured but I suspect crushed limestone/coral was involved in the
strip construction (6200').  Basically, no matter how careful, you're going
to eventually get a prop-full.  There is another Velo there, a Std, that
seem to have better luck with his lower hp, fixed pitch props.  As always,
results may vary.

Chuck



-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]On
Behalf Of johnward
Sent: Tuesday, July 06, 2004 12:03 PM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: XLRG on Grass


Tim, I'm the John Ward that Ronnie mentioned and I operate my Standard
Velocity RG Elite from a 2,500 foot turf strip.  The engine is an IO-360C1e6
with MT prop.  I wouldn't operate from here if I didn't own the strip
because it's barely long enough.  Have to be pretty light on fuel if I have
a passenger.  The only prop damage, mostly sand abrasion of paint and stone
dings were when I flew off the initial hours after certification at
Sebastian.  The prop has since been repainted and looks like new except for
one ding from a stone (I think) that happened at RYY, a paved runway.  I
have a total of 155 hours on the plane and I would prefer a grass strip but
a nice long one like Leeward Air Ranch in central Florida.  The only
downside I have from the turf strip is the dead bug residue on the prop that
is more prevalent than from a paved surface.  I guess you could hit the
grass on rotation but that hasn't been a problem since it's mowed once a
week in the growing season.  I don't believe the grass clipping/residue that
may hit the prop is going to any more significant than the bugs that run
into the prop.  I have friends with an XL and long EZ that haven't had a
problem at my strip.
Hope this helps,
John Ward
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <TimRhod at aol.com>
To: <reflector at tvbf.org>
Sent: Monday, July 05, 2004 10:08 PM
Subject: REFLECTOR: XLRG on Grass


> Can Anyone share their experience using the XLRG on grass strips. Does it
> hurt you MT prop if it hits the grass?  Does it hit the grass on rotation
or
> landing?   Any gear problems on grass. Im considering retiring to  an
airpark
> and a lot of the ones I'm considering have grass Strips. If grass is  OK
what
> would you consider a minimum runway length?   Thanks Tim  Rhodenbaugh
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