FAA Acknowledges Some Pilots Prefer Operating ‘On the Grass’

In a document, the agency opens the door for turf strips next to paved runways.

Monday, April 18, 2022 at 04:38 PM ET

Verified

At many small airports, pilots who prefer to take off and land on turf will do so on the grassy areas next to the paved runway, known as RSAs. [Photo: Adobe Stock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has issued new guidance (AC 150/5300-13B) for turf operations within runway safety areas (RSAs), officially recognizing a practice common among general aviation pilots.
This advisory circular establishes safety standards for the design, materials, grading, drainage, and marking of these turf operating areas.
Advocated by groups like RAF, EAA, and AOPA, this change is considered a significant win for recreational aviation, marking the first official recognition and standardization of such activities by the FAA.

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The FAA has included guidance for turf operations within runway safety areas, or RSAs, in a new advisory circular, AC 150/5300-13B. Many general aviation pilots have been pushing for the change.

At many small airports, pilots who prefer to take off and land on turf will do so on the grassy areas next to the paved runway, known as RSAs. This is especially common for pilots flying tailwheel aircraft, certain vintage models, and ultralights. But these operations often are not officially recognized by the FAA. A complicating factor is that RSAs are meant to be safe runoff areas for aircraft during accidental runway excursions.