It Is Better To Be On The Ground

From the Sept. 24, 2026, edition of Flying Lessons by Tom Turner:

“The LESSON this week is simple: Are there situations where you would land an airplane that is otherwise working normally onto a road or other non-aviation surface? I’m not talking backcountry flying or landing on a private pasture intentionally according to a pre-takeoff plan. I’m asking about a scenario where you’re in flight, the airplane’s working fine, but you decide ‘on the fly’ to land off-airport because you legitimately think it is safer than continuing with your flight.”

I don’t recall ever thinking through, let alone planning for, such a scenario. 

This topic came up as the result of a Sept. 18 landing of a PA15 on a “road due to weather.”

That’s about the only reason I can think of to land an otherwise airworthy aircraft. 

Tom does a great job, as always, of discussing the topic and linking to worthwhile resources.

If you don’t read Tom Turner’s weekly Flying Lessons newsletter, you should.