Grass Strip
Big Idea
Soft-field technique keeps the nose wheel off the soft surface as long as possible to prevent getting stuck.
Fun Fact
Some airports in Alaska are on gravel, dirt, or even ice. Bush pilots use soft-field technique every day!
What You Will Learn
- Keep the yoke full back during taxi (keep nose wheel light)
- Do NOT stop on the runway — keep rolling
- Lift off at the lowest possible speed
- For landing: touch down as gently as possible, keep the nose up
Simulator Steps
- Taxi onto the runway with yoke pulled ALL the way back
- Add full power — do NOT stop (keep moving!)
- As soon as the airplane wants to fly, let it lift off
- Stay in ground effect (5-10 feet) and build speed before climbing
- For landing: gentle touchdown, keep yoke back, do not brake hard
What You Learned
- Keep the nose wheel light on soft surfaces
- Never stop on a soft runway
- Gentle touchdown, keep yoke back during rollout