Constructing a Grass Airfield

Buzz

Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Content

Choosing the Right Location

Ground Quality

Minimum Size Requirements

Preparing for Construction

Building your own airstrip can be a complex endeavor, often requiring more space than a typical Mytour article allows. Therefore, this article will focus solely on the essential aspects, providing links to more detailed resources below.

Key Steps

Choosing the Right Location

Take into account the following considerations:

Regulations at Local, State, and National Levels for Private Airstrips

Ensuring Safe, Unobstructed Approaches, Even for Daytime Use Only

Ground Quality

Ensuring Stability, Particularly During Adverse Weather Conditions

Minimum Size Requirements

Dimensions:

Important: Consider altitude and the highest average temperature of the year when determining the length of the landing strip to accommodate reduced engine performance in your region's conditions. Refer to a runway and landing strip nomograph specific to your area for guidance.

Preparing for Construction

Clear the entire area thoroughly.

Remove tree and shrub roots completely.

Level low areas.

Smooth out any grade breaks or surface mounds, as well as fill any ditches.

Compact soil and fill in animal burrows.

Clear the ends of the strip from any obstructions. Power lines, trees, etc., should be removed, lowered, or illuminated.

Grade the strip 6 inches (15.2 cm) higher in the middle for better drainage. Apply topsoil and sow grass if necessary to stabilize.

Clearly mark the boundaries of the airstrip to be visible from the air.

Install a wind cone or tetrahedron and mark a circular area around it to attract attention from the air.

Create a separate tie-down area away from the airstrip.

Key Points

Refer to Federal Aviation Regulation FAR part 157 for guidelines on building personal or private use airports. Submission of FAA form 7480-1 is required at least 30 days before construction begins. You can also request to have your strip included on the FAA sectional chart with relevant details such as private use or presence of cattle.
Prior notice to the Federal Aviation Administration is mandatory for establishing, modifying, or deactivating a landing strip or area. This is done by submitting FAA form 7480-1.

Important Notes

This information is compiled from various online sources. (refer to below)

Essential Equipment

Flat, obstacle-free land aligned with prevailing winds.
Financial resources
Earthmoving machinery
Windsock or tetrahedron
Access to local roads and structures.
Approval from the FAA
Possibly state and local approvals.

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