Hello David,
You are demonstrating very good judgment in
seeking advice from knowledgeable folks in the Lancair community before
committing to a purchase. I’ll will try to give you my best advice. By way of
background, I have about 2,200 hours in Lancair 320/360 and 235 airplanes
(mostly 320). Another 550 in Lancair IVs and somewhere north of 27,000 total
time.
The 235 is a great little airplane, fast,
efficient and economical. It is not, however, a bush plane by any stretch. It is
possible that a 235 can be landed safely on a smooth, firm, long, dry
(preferably rolled) sod runway IF proper soft field techniques are used.
It is possible that a 235 can be landed safely in 2,000 ft IF
proper short field techniques are used. Both soft and short field
techniques are skills that are best acquired after you have gained considerable
experience in this plane on long, hard surfaced runways. Combining soft
and short field techniques with a new Lancair pilot is a scenario that
has a very, very high likelihood of a bad outcome.
As those on the Lancair Mail List have heard me
say many times; these airplanes are not difficult to fly...but they are
different. It is a good bet that the 235 flies considerably differently than ANY
other airplane you may have flown. It requires...demands, Lancair specific
training with a Lancair proficient instructor. Gaining Lancair experience at
Landers Loop airport would be an ill advised undertaking. One of the biggest
problems that I see is that the runway is not only too rough and too short but
it is way too narrow. The pine tree branches on opposite sides of the runway are
only 100 ft apart at some spots and the two hangars on opposite sides of the
runway near the northeast end are only 120 ft apart. Due to the semi reclined
seating position and the fact that in the 235 your eyes are almost half way back
the fuselage from the nose, the runway ahead is NOT visible during a properly
done soft field take off OR landing (nose high ground roll). Forward visibility
in this situation can only be obtained looking left of the nose. David, I
believe that the probability of mixing fiberglass with pine splinters at your
field looks quite high in a Lancair. Frankly, it is not a field that I would be
comfortable operating a 235 from.
I hate to discourage anyone from experiencing a
Lancair. They really are exceptional aircraft. But in your particular
environment, I would have to advise that it seems unlikely to prove a safe
operation. I hope that this helps in your decision. Please feel free to call me
at (five four zero) 372-8738 if I can be of further assistance.
Regards,
Bill Harrelson
Fredericksburg, VA
Landers Loop
airport: Google Earth.
N35 23’
56.07”
W093 04’
04.71”
David,
I will post your question on the Lancair Mailing List for input from L235
owners who may have experience with grass strips.
My opinion is 2000' is too short even for a paved strip and grass would be
too hard on the landing gear. Let's see what the 235 guys have to
say.
Steve Colwell
Sent from my iPhone
Answer him pls. Can't really operate that small gear on grass can
u
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
Mr. Colwell,
I have very
recently considered a Lancair 235. I am in Arkansas and live on a 2000
ft grass airstrip. I don't really know anyone with a lancair near me.
I live near RUE to the north on Landers Loop Private. I have looked
online and don't really see much on performance and durability/safety.
I would like to visit with someone that would have legitimate knowledge to
give me some advice. I appreciate any help you may be able to
lend!
Thanks,
David
Wilbanks
479 857-0961.