Originally Posted by
oleary
ALWAYS choose the hard surface.
Skids: Get sideways in the grass you and might tip over.
Amazing how different countries do the same thing in different ways or have misunderstandings about the "other" way.
In my 4000 odd (european) civ and mil rotary hrs I have never once done a run on landing of any kind on a hard surface on skids, nor heard of anyone that did by choice except in the case of some (but by no means all) tail rotor failures as described by John Eacott. On wheeled aircraft we used the tarmac of course. Can't really imagine why you'd want to wear your skid plates away on a runway or mix it in the circuit with the siezed-wings when you have smooth, slippery grass all to yourself.
Never had any concern about "tipping over" on grass nor felt it likely to happen, largely because it isn't, as millions of European training hours have proved.