Walking a runway before landing

Posted by anon__a__mouse__@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 18 comments

As I time build, there's a few airstrips I want to land at (example Furnace Creek in Death Valley) and get in my logbook. Alot have comments that mention the runway isn't in A+ condition so I'd like to walk them before landing there (going to do a road trip to stop off at a few of them) Question is do I need to reach out to the airport operator/owner to request permission or let them know what I'm doing, or just simply take my Icom radio tuned to CTAF while I walk the runway? Would like to get an idea of the condition before landing and also get some pictures to show others for future reference.

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18 Comments

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DifferentIntern6311@reddit

Not an answer to your question but ForeFlight comment I saw from 3 weeks ago says: “I just walked this runway and it's in terrible shape with major cracks and heaves throughout. Suitable for helicopters only.”

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anonamouse__@reddit (OP)

yep i saw that ... another comment though within the same timeframe is saying it's fine to land on the east side of the runway. I always check Foreflight comments but it seems they can be pretty subjective, hence my original question about checking it out myself so I can make an ultimate decision. Ultimately hoping to go to a few others strips as well within the area to walk so I guess my original question stands, but appreciate your info. Would be super helpful if Foreflight comments would allow pictures, that would make everything a bit easier for sure!

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LearningDumbThings@reddit

Never forget that it may be perfectly suitable for a carbon cub on 35” balloon tires, and not so much for the trusty old club 172.

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quesoqueso@reddit

Or it's perfectly suited for a clapped out 172 but the guy who walked it owns a cirrus visionjet!

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DifferentIntern6311@reddit

Definitely. I’d email the picture suggestion to their team. They’re super responsive

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1E-12@reddit

Thoughts on driving on the runway instead? Would this be less acceptable than walking?

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Sunsplitcloud@reddit

For an unattended airport like furnace creek you’ll likely have no issue getting onto the property and walking the runway. Look at Google Maps to see what the entry looks like if there’s a fence or something restricting access. Some have a fence with a gate that needs a code (bring a mirror on a stick you’d use for maintenance). Or call the airport manager ask how you can do what you’re planning to do and see if they can give you more direct details.

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Sunsplitcloud@reddit

If done this exact practice at a few airports in Washington this summer. Some gravel runways along the snake runway, I wanted to see if my plane was suitable (totally fine) but I wanted my eyes and feet on them. So I flew nearby, drove over first checked them out then made the flight the next day. 100% worth it if you are on a borderline of comfort. Good for you to do what’s going to keep you safe. However others have said Furnace is in rough shape. But seeing for yourself to correlate the comments (ForeFlight and here) is very worth it.

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Primary-Implement580@reddit

A low pass is sufficient. No need to walk any landing surface unless you will not be planning to have enough fuel to divert.

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keepitreasonable@reddit

Why wouldn’t walking a landing and checking out area not make a flight far more comfortable and enjoyable especially for lower time pilot? Some runways may be worth just having the relaxed time to check out especially if marginal. Maybe one end or side is better, can spot possible landmarks. Backcountry landings can have similar issues - I thought it was common advice if low time to walk those as well if you can.

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fly123123123@reddit

Stovepipe Wells was quite cracked up, but still doable. Just make it a soft field takeoff and landing, and minimize time moving on the ground.

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redwoodbus@reddit

If the airport is unattended/non towered I wouldn't ask anyone, just go check it out and look for airplanes before you walk the runway.

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AK_Dude69@reddit

Yeah, just walk it. You don’t need anyone permission, and if you do they should understand what your concerns are.

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Hemmschwelle@reddit

You don't need to walk down the center line to inspect a runway. You can dips best from the side and some distance away. You do need to be aware of who is in the pattern, including NORDOs and taildraggers/gliders that land quietly with engines idling. It's good to periodically scan 360 for traffic.

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OccasionTiny7464@reddit

As an Alaskan pilot if it’s a class d or similar. It should be okay enough. Anything smaller that doesn’t have a control tower and as along as no one is flying you should be okay to walk it. Remember to walk facing the wind. Airplanes are a lot quieter when landing. If you have a hand held radio you should bring it.

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EliteEthos@reddit

What kind of airplane? Is it your airplane?

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KJ3040@reddit

This is what the airport remarks/chart supplement and NOTAMs are for. Someone else has already “walked it”. It also may be prudent to do a low pass to inspect the landing surface. Furnace creek was pretty ugly when I went there last and that was 10 years ago.

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rFlyingTower@reddit

This is a copy of the original post body for posterity: --- As I time build, there's a few airstrips I want to land at (example Furnace Creek in Death Valley) and get in my logbook. Alot have comments that mention the runway isn't in A+ condition so I'd like to walk them before landing there (going to do a road trip to stop off at a few of them) Question is do I need to reach out to the airport operator/owner to request permission or let them know what I'm doing, or just simply take my Icom radio tuned to CTAF while I walk the runway? Would like to get an idea of the condition before landing and also get some pictures to show others for future reference. --- Please downvote this comment until it collapses. Questions about this comment? [Please see this wiki post before contacting the mods](https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/wiki/index/rflyingtower/). --- I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you have any questions, please [contact the mods of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/flying).