How long should my private strip be?

Question

Its for a Zenith STOL CH 701. Performance listed as: 90 feet takeoff roll, 140 feet landing roll, ROC 1100 ft per minute. How long would you think for the actual grass strip and distances to high obstacles (trees) I have about 600ft I can do easily, 1200 will require a good bit of earth moving. Any opinions? www.zenithair.com Thanks

Another question: how hilly? I'd love the 801 but want to stay in the sport pilot area, so no IFR or nights :-(

Answer 1

I would make it at least 1500 ft long and 120 ft wide. I live at a private airport in florida. Are two runways are 3600x120 and the other one is 2300x120. I used to fly an Extra 300s out of there with no problem. I know fly a Pitts S-2C and can make it off the ground and gain 400 ft in under 1200 ft. Also think about friends and what aircraft they fly, incase the ever decide to visit. As to how hilly it should be that is you own personal choice. My airport has a 75ft hill on runway 9 and 36-18 has hills from one end to the other. Hills don't bother some planes but it does effect high performance aerobatic aircraft.

Answer 2

You probably know all this already and the Zenith is definitely a short strip plane, but things to consider:
1. Prevailing winds, altitude you're at, temp, etc.
2. Overall weather; are you going to need more space due to visibility restrictions (non-IFR). What about when its wet and/or the ground is soft? That can lengthen your takeoff roll considerably. Trees filling your windscreen is the last thing you want to see.
3. What if you overshoot at some point? I'd rather have a few hundred more feet of roll out ahead of me if need be than to attempt a go-around over the trees without the room. I know we're all expert pilots and all (at least in our heads) but just a couple of weeks ago I landed a little "hot" and was glad for the extra bit of room on the runway.
4. Going to have any friends fly in with their more conventional aircraft?
5. As far as hilliness goes, an even low grade is OK but bumpy uneven ground could result in a loss of control unless you're real comfortable with it. If its your own strip, I'm guessing that you would know every little knook and cranny it it.

Answer 3

It depends on your piloting ability, the height of obstacles on both sides of the runway, your level of comfort, and on how much of a margin of error you want over your performance charts' numbers in your POH. You might also want to consider what the prevailing wind direction is in your area and consider which way you will most often be taking off. Better to air on the cautious side and make it longer if you can. If not, hey, that's why you bought a STOL airplane for, right? Have fun and good luck!

Answer 4

if you have the area, I would run at least 550 feet. will the 701 be the only stol using the field, or will other craft be visiting?
have you considered ''upgrading'' to the -801 ? nice machine for 4 people or lots of luggage/stuff.

Answer 5

I'd say try 600ft with your aircraft lightly loaded and in good weather (headwind, cool day, good vis, etc) and see how it is. A longer strip might mean more work, but it is good insurance for engine failures, hot days, heavy loads, and gusty conditions.

Answer 6

How long should your private strip be? About 5 minutes. Longer if the person is tipping well. :P

I'm not a pilot, so I don't know. I'd say 600 feet would be okay. I'd go a little longer just to play it safe.

Answer 7

What if you get a lear jet later? I would go all out and make one two miles long. It wouldn't be grass though.