Big, grass flying field in USA?

Not grass runways, but a big open field where you can takeoff or land in any direction.

Does anyone know of one in the 48 states? They used to be quite common about 80 years ago, but now I don't know of a single one. I'd sure like to have the experience of flying from such a field. Have RV-4, will travel.

Thanks

A true aerodrome? Check out the Flying Circus Aerodrome in Bealton, VA.

Interesting question. When I was a teenager at Horace Williams airport, I was told by the well experienced folks that it used to be the largest sod field east of the Mississippi. It was still sod at that time and had two of the original runways still operational.

Originally 3 runways that were 5000+ and 400+ wide. The central crossing area could have been considered an 'aerodrome' by itself.

Of course, it is a shadow of its former self with a narrow 3500' paved runway installed in the early 70's. The other runways have been cut by roads and used for University buildings.

Beagle said:

A true aerodrome? Check out the Flying Circus Aerodrome in Bealton, VA.

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Nice, but way too small and not omnidirectional

They are still common

Steve51B said:

Not grass runways, but a big open field where you can takeoff or land in any direction.

Does anyone know of one in the 48 states? They used to be quite common about 80 years ago, but now I don't know of a single one. I'd sure like to have the experience of flying from such a field. Have RV-4, will travel.

Thanks

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There are still many places you could play at. Alvord Desert would fit.




Tonopah dry lake bed (not the fenced area)




Raquette Lake NY during a good winter.

Being a Minnesota guy, I've already done the frozen lake thing- on skis, in an Aeronica Defender. The dry lake bed thing would be fun and I'll put t on my list, but the search for the all grass flying field continues...

Steve51B said:

Being a Minnesota guy, I've already done the frozen lake thing- on skis, in an Aeronica Defender. The dry lake bed thing would be fun and I'll put t on my list, but the search for the all grass flying field continues...

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If you build it, they [and we] will come.