How long is your grass?
The other thread currently running on the subject of operating from grass strips has acted as a catalyst for me to bring up this associated subject.
I have a running battle trying to get the aerodrome authority to cut our grass taxiways to a decent short length. They on the other hand stick rigidly to CAA guidelines on 'Long Grass Policy' and how it deters birds (feathered variety) from infesting your airfield and causing a safety hazard. Ideally 'long grass' should be between 6 to 8 inches long (150 to 200 mm). OK, fair enough, I agree with the logic that long grass of that specified length is an aid to safety.
The CAA guidance goes on to say that 'close cut' or 'short grass' should be kept to a minimum area, like just 1 metre around sign boards, runwway lights etc. Hmmm! maybe I can go along with that as well.
But I do get a bit tetchy about their next statement that grass manoeuvring areas may be kept up to 4 inches tall (100 mm). Now that is pretty long and draggy for a runway or taxiway. I have two grass taxiways that look like rejects from the 1960/70's long hair era and that is the way they are staying because that is how the aerodrome authority wants it.
How long (in the tall sense) would you consider the grass should be on a runway or taxiway?
Regards