Plowed Fields

[Danal Estes]

I have access to a field that is normally planted in Sorghum, but is not planted this year. It is good "black" farmland dirt. Plenty big, etc, etc.

It was recently plowed (disc I believe, but I didn't see it happen), leaving the surface only very shallowly furrowed, but somewhat loose. Walking leaves visible footprints, an inch or so deep. No deeper. I've taken my 900 Lb Toro Zero Turn mower (so 1100+ Lbs with me on it) onto this dirt. The mower has tires about the same size as the PPC, and it doesn't sink.


How is it to fly off freshly plowed dirt? Any 'gotchas'?

[Alex WD-1]

I don't know, Danal-
Here's one possible scenario for consideration, tho-? Dry soil, front wheel rolling and throwing up dust or particles of soil that get sucked through the prop?

[flynlow]

I would be concerned about rocks just under the surface. Also, it could make for a very short landing if you weren't smooth.

Originally Posted by Danal Estes

I have access to a field that is normally planted in Sorghum, but is not planted this year. It is good "black" farmland dirt. Plenty big, etc, etc.

It was recently plowed (disc I believe, but I didn't see it happen), leaving the surface only very shallowly furrowed, but somewhat loose. Walking leaves visible footprints, an inch or so deep. No deeper. I've taken my 900 Lb Toro Zero Turn mower (so 1100+ Lbs with me on it) onto this dirt. The mower has tires about the same size as the PPC, and it doesn't sink.


How is it to fly off freshly plowed dirt? Any 'gotchas'?

[Danal Estes]

Originally Posted by Alex WD-1

I don't know, Danal-
Here's one possible scenario for consideration, tho-? Dry soil, front wheel rolling and throwing up dust or particles of soil that get sucked through the prop?

Dave's main runway is Grass, but has a gravel strip down the middle. Google Sat Photo here

This is MUCH worse than dirt clods, and we deal with that.

Still it is something to think about. Anybody fly from Plowed Dirt? Any problems with the prop?

[Alex WD-1]

Originally Posted by Danal Estes

a gravel strip....is MUCH worse than dirt clods, and we deal with that.

Wow- and no problems, huh? good deal--
I have this almost irrational belief about f.o.d., like a prop can suck up objects from 20 or 30 ft away, heh-

[Danal Estes]

Well, I wouldn't say NO problems. In fact, Superglue and Baking Soda are a required part of life on this field. Props get a touch up fairly often, I'd say every couple of weeks.

So, I'm thinking that soft black dirt will be no worse than the occasional piece of white gravel.

Not ideal, but can be dealt with.

[Alex WD-1]

Oh, I gotcha, aha.

Dang it, Danal, I see the hi-jack light is flashing-
Do you have any idea whether superglue and baking soda work well for dings in a wood prop? It's on my list to try it sometime in the next couple weeks.

[phil]

Originally Posted by Danal Estes

Well, I wouldn't say NO problems. In fact, Superglue and Baking Soda are a required part of life on this field. Props get a touch up fairly often, I'd say every couple of weeks.

So, I'm thinking that soft black dirt will be no worse than the occasional piece of white gravel.

Not ideal, but can be dealt with.

Danal,
Any idea why he has that gravel strip there? is it a problem to eliminate?

If it were me flying, I would set up so as not to be on it for take off & when I landed or did T&G's, I would be to the side of it & miss it. I would not want to lose a prop because of that.

Does he sell more props because of it??

[AirSportAdventures]

Danal

I've flown off a plowed field a couple of times. The problem with a plowed field is if it's uneven with ruts or if it's a deep sandy surface. Your Raptor is light for a two-place and would handle the sand if it's not too soft and deep. The ruts, depending on how pronounced could prohibit any operations. If it's hard packed you'll be okay, but you'll still have to be careful with rocks/debris.

[Rich K]

See if the farmer has a roller ( AKA Cultipacker ) and will allow you to use it.
It might help level the field and settle any rocks/stone which you'll hear as you pass over them.

It's always best to inspect you're ground path well before it's use after a field is plowed/worked.

Rich K

[FlynHigh]

Originally Posted by Alex WD-1

Oh, I gotcha, aha.

Dang it, Danal, I see the hi-jack light is flashing-
Do you have any idea whether superglue and baking soda work well for dings in a wood prop? It's on my list to try it sometime in the next couple weeks.

Alex,
I have used superglue and baking soda back in the '80s on wooded props. Use masking tape to the near edge of the prop below the nick and pour in about 1/8 of a inch of baking soda and then just 1 to 2 or 3 drops superglue depending on how long the nick is, then blow out excess baking soda and do this over and over till you build up past the edge of prop and then file down the excess. Do Not try to fill in all of the nick at one time as you will get air pockets in the build up. It is hard enough to file,grind or drill.

Richard

[Alex WD-1]

Good deal, I see what you're saying about the technique- I have never tried it, but will soon.
Thanks, Richard-- I appreciate it.

[Danal Estes]

Originally Posted by phil

Danal,
Any idea why he has that gravel strip there? is it a problem to eliminate?

If it were me flying, I would set up so as not to be on it for take off & when I landed or did T&G's, I would be to the side of it & miss it. I would not want to lose a prop because of that.

Does he sell more props because of it??

Yeah, I do try to avoid it. One side.

I don't know what it would take to un-install it. It hasn't been that big a deal.

[jumper]

Originally Posted by Danal Estes

I have access to a field that is normally planted in Sorghum, but is not planted this year. It is good "black" farmland dirt. Plenty big, etc, etc.

It was recently plowed (disc I believe, but I didn't see it happen), leaving the surface only very shallowly furrowed, but somewhat loose. Walking leaves visible footprints, an inch or so deep. No deeper. I've taken my 900 Lb Toro Zero Turn mower (so 1100+ Lbs with me on it) onto this dirt. The mower has tires about the same size as the PPC, and it doesn't sink.


How is it to fly off freshly plowed dirt? Any 'gotchas'?

Danal, This may be ok when flown very early. However, this "black" field will heat up quicker than say a green or planted field. I have noticed many times when flying over "green" things are nice and smooth then cross over a freshly plowed field or dead/harvested area to start rockin and rollin.