normb@tekred.UUCP (Norm Babcock ) (04/21/85)
Since moving to central Oregon, I now have a limited number of hard surface airports to fly into. Variety demands flying across the Cascades, which is not always practical, weatherwise. I'm comfortable landing on short and soft (read gravel) strips, but I'm worried about the potential damage to the aircraft. Right now I rent, but am planning to buy my own soon, (don't ask why, I don't know), which will be a 150/172. Has anyone had experience flying from rough strips? Any problems? Any special pre-flight precautions? How many hours of such abuse before the plane is a rag? Is all that noise ok? Thanks, tektronix!tekred!normb P.S. for Ron: Thanks for the advice re wives and hand propping. I tried it, the rope caught in the prop, pulled my wife off her feet, ruined her outfit. I tripped over the wheel in trying to get around and help her, the end of the rope hit me in the head when I got up (14 stitches), the plane rolled forward and ran over my foot (2 broken toes). Other than that, worked fine.