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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-soft-runway-ground-roll

How does a soft grass runway usually affect takeoff ground roll?

It increases the takeoff ground roll.

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  1. It shortens it
  2. It lengthens it ✔
  3. It removes wind effects

Why: Tires do not roll as freely on soft grass, mud, or rough ground. The extra rolling resistance slows acceleration and increases the runway needed.

Huh, didn't know that: The Chart Supplement lists the runway surface for each airport.

The dad joke
The grass runway told the tires, 'Do not rush through my lawn.'
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References

Answer: It lengthens it. Tires do not roll as freely on soft grass, mud, or rough ground. The extra rolling resistance slows acceleration and increases the runway needed.

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 11 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/13_phak_ch11.pdf
    Any surface that is not hard and smooth increases the ground roll during takeoff.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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