As a (fairly) recent private pilot (~125 hrs), I do not have much
experience with non-paved runway surfaces. The advice I have comes from
these points:

1) Have a qualified (ie, one experienced, current, and comfortable with
non-paved surface landings--grass, dirt, gravel, et al) instructor on
board until YOU are comfortable with non-paved surface operations.
2) Treat any non-paved surface as a soft-field operation until you know
otherwise. It may save your pocketbook.
3) A misconception I had was that you performed EITHER a soft-field
landing OR a short-field landing, but not a COMBINATION of the two.
Realize that if you land at an airstrip that is rough, but hard, you may
want to still use soft-field techniques. If it is short, but soft,
combine short- AND soft- field techniques.
4) See point #1. It all comes down to YOU and YOUR experience and
comfort level with non-paved surface operations, no matter what I or
others may say. YOU are pilot-in-command. Kudos to you for trying to
get more information, though.

Chris G, PP-ASEL
Salem, Oregon
flying (at) k7sle *d*o*t* com.

drclive wrote:
Can anybody point out a good bibliography or article that describes the
differences in landing on a grass airstrip for the first time, tips and
advices? Thanks