Off The Beaten Path

Private pilots are required to demonstrate soft-field technique before they earn their certificates. The FAA, however, doesnt require you to demonstrate that skill on an actual soft field. Perhaps they should. Its too easy to find examples of pilots filling out reports of accidents and incidents involving unpaved landing surfaces. Based on my experience and those of other pilots like me, there are many novel ways a pilot can screw up when venturing off pavement. Insurance companies know this and often restrict operations to paved runways.

Mike Hart

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Unpaved runway operations present significant risks due to inadequate pilot training for real-world conditions, lack of insurance coverage, and a high potential for accidents and incidents.
These operations involve unique hazards such as sensory disorientation, difficulty maintaining directional control on varied or slippery surfaces, and hidden obstacles not found on paved runways.
Thorough preparation, including reconnaissance low passes and obtaining local knowledge, is crucial for safe unpaved operations, as standard flight information is often insufficient.
Despite the inherent challenges, off-pavement flying offers valuable rewards, including enhanced piloting skills for emergency landings, expanded travel opportunities, and unique aviation experiences.

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Private pilots are required to demonstrate soft-field technique before they earn their certificates. The FAA, however, doesn’t require you to demonstrate that skill on an actual soft field. Perhaps they should. It’s too easy to find examples of pilots filling out reports of accidents and incidents involving unpaved landing surfaces. Based on my experience and those of other pilots like me, there are many novel ways a pilot can screw up when venturing off pavement. Insurance companies know this and often restrict operations to paved runways.

It’s probably not a bad thing that getting off pavement is not as easy as it sounds. Many schools don’t carry insurance for unpaved airstrip operations, and flying clubs often have policies discouraging or outright banning unpaved landings. If you’re an aircraft owner, you may want to look at your insurance policy—it may not cover excursions off the beaten path on private, unpaved or non-FAA listed airstrips. Why are those pesky insurance folks such wet towels when it comes to landing off traditional airstrips?