Yes, I've often landed on smooth grass strips. I avoid anything that's not known be well cared for and "smooth". I think prop clearance is a big issue. The consequences of a prop strike are much greater, and the chances of occurrence are much higher, than a gear door ding. I use "standard" short field procedures, not drastically different from normal takeoff procedures. If there is any chance of it being rough or rutted, I'd go someplace else. I went to one strip and walked it before I flew in, just to make sure. If I had to make a precautionary landing, I'd be happier to try a grass strip than a highway.

It is reasonable to operate from well maintained grass strips.

I don't have outback gear either.

Bill Kennedy
N42BK, 565 hours

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To: lml@lancaironline.net
Date: Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:30:32 -0400
From: keith.smith@gmail.com
Subject: [LML] soft field ops in 360 with standard gear

Shortly before transitioning to the Lancair, I discovered the joy of soft field operations. After years of practicing soft field takeoffs and landings from paved runways, it was great to put it to use on some real grass strips.

Now that I'm exclusively flying the Lancair, I've found myself wondering if it would be reasonable to try to occasionally operate from well-maintained grass strips.  My 360 does not have the outback gear.  I'm concerned about:
1) prop clearance
2) gear door clearance
3) VHF antenna clearance
4) standard soft field takeoff procedure  (does it like getting off the ground early and sitting in ground effect?)

Does anyone have any tips on operating in and out of grass strips with a 360, particularly if you don't have the outback gear?

For now, I'm staying away from this until I learn more about it.

Keith