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

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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) officially recognizing and providing safety standards for turf operations within runway safety areas (RSAs), a practice common among general and recreational aviation pilots.
This advisory circular establishes standards for the design, materials, grading, drainage, and marking of turf operating areas, and is seen as a significant win for recreational aviation groups who advocated for the change.
Airport owners are now required to request the establishment of turf operation areas, which must be approved by the local flight standards district office to ensure safe operations.

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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.