On 2007-05-21 18:10:04 -0700, Justin Gombos
said:

I was thinking low wing planes would be favorable for landing on a
grass strip, because the extra ground effect could mitigate hard
landings and keep the ride smooth. But I recently read that some
fields are rough enough that rocks, bushes and debris can hit or snag
on the flaps.

Yes. Also, high wing aircraft can have bigger flaps and lower approach
speeds than low wing aircraft. Flap size is limited on many low wing
aircraft by the need for ground clearance.


I'm interested in hearing which configuration folks prefer for turf
strips - as well as other factors that might make one plane more
suitable than another for grass strips. Or is everything negligable?

For well-kept turf strips, it is about equal except for the slightly
higher approach speeds of some low wing aircraft. One of the nice
things about turf, though, is that it has greater rolling resistance,
so it actually tends to be a bit of an equalizer between low wing and
high wing aircraft in short field landings. Takeoff is another matter.
Low wing aircraft tend to get into ground effect a little quicker than
high wing aircraft.


I've seen some planes fitted with quad runner off-roading type tires
for landing on very rough terrain.. but that would be overkill in my
case.

The big balloon-type tundra tires look like even more overkill. It
looks like fun and one of these days I will have to beg someone to
demonstrate them to me.
--
Waddling Eagle
World Famous Flight Instructor