Which Private Jets Can Land On Unpaved Runways?

Private jets are known for their convenience, comfort, and speed. They offer a fast and reliable way to travel from one destination to another, avoiding the hassle of long airport lines and security checks. However, not all private jets are equally suited for landing on unpaved runways. These are runways that are made of grass, dirt, gravel, or other natural materials, and are often found in remote or rural areas where conventional airports may not be available.

 

Specialized Business Aircraft Designed for Unpaved Runway Access

Business aircraft certified for unpaved runway operations open up remote destinations. For example, the Pilatus PC‑24 is approved for take-offs and landings on grass, gravel, dirt and even snow-covered strips. This “Super Versatile Jet” was designed for rough fields from the start, meaning operators gain access to nearly twice as many airports worldwide compared to typical business jets.

 

Such capability lets a flight reach isolated airstrips directly; saving hours of overland travel. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX turboprop and Dassault Falcon 20i (a Falcon 2000 variant) are other examples. The Caravan EX’s rugged high‑wing and heavy‑tire landing gear allow grass, dirt or gravel operations, while the Falcon 20i has been used with kit modifications for gravel runways. These aircraft deliver single‑engine (Caravan) or twin‑jet performance into short, unimproved strips. 

Planning and Requirements for Safe Rough-Field Performance

The key to success on unpaved runways is planning and preparation. Operators always consult the aircraft’s Flight Manual (AFM/POH) for special short-field performance charts, ensure correct weight and balance, and confirm any rough-field modifications (e.g. gravel kits or strengthened gear).

 

For example, the Caravan EX has a very short takeoff roll (≈1,400 ft) and comes from the factory with “rough-field ready” equipment (large tires, robust gear). The Pilatus PC-12 PRO and PC-24 both have certifications for grass, gravel and snow.  With proper weight planning and runway assessment, operators can safely fly these aircraft into fields normally off‑limits to jets.

Pilatus PC-24: Setting the Benchmark in Versatile Performance

The Pilatus PC-24 is a versatile business jet that was designed specifically for landing on unpaved runways. It is the world’s first business jet with this capability, offering a unique blend of luxury and functionality. The PC-24 has a large cargo door that allows easy loading and unloading of luggage or equipment. It also has a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to six passengers in comfort. The PC-24 has a range of 2,000 nautical miles (2,400 miles) with two engines, making it ideal for long-haul flights across continents.

 

The PC-24 has several features that make it suitable for landing on unpaved runways. First of all, it has reinforced landing gear that can withstand rough terrain without damage. Second, it has specialized tires that have high traction and durability in various conditions. Third, it has advanced avionics systems that provide navigation and communication assistance in case of emergencies. Fourth, it has an optional service bulletin compliance kit (SBCK) that allows the aircraft to operate on select unpaved runways without modifications.

 

The PC-24 is currently available for charter through various operators around the world. It is also used by some humanitarian organizations such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia for medical evacuation missions.

Dassault Falcon 20: Exemplary Precision and Aviation Legacy

The Dassault Falcon 20 is another business jet that can land on unpaved runways thanks to its SBCK option. It is an upgraded version of the Falcon 20i, which was introduced in 2017 as part of Dassault’s Next Generation Falcon family. The Falcon 20i is based on the Falcon 2000, which was launched in 2000 as one of the most popular business jets in its class at the time.

The Falcon 20i shares many features with its predecessor, such as its twin-engine configuration, its high-speed cruise performance, its spacious cabin, its advanced avionics systems, and its low operating costs. However, it also offers some improvements, such as its increased range (2,500 nautical miles), its enhanced fuel efficiency (up to 25 percent), its reduced noise levels (down to 75 decibels), and its improved safety standards (such as having an automatic emergency return system).

Like other business jets on this list, the Falcon 20i can operate from short fields, grass strips, gravel roads, or even shallow water. However, unlike other business jets on this list, the Falcon 20i does not require any modifications to achieve this capability. Instead, it relies on its SBCK option, which allows it to comply with certain service bulletins issued by Dassault. These service bulletins provide guidance on how to safely land on unpaved runways using specific procedures. The Falcon 20i is currently available through various operators around the world. It is also used by some government agencies, such as military or diplomatic aircraft.

Cessna Grand Caravan EX: Pinnacle of Reliability and Utility in Aviation

The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a turboprop aircraft that can land on unpaved runways with ease. It is a variant of the Cessna Caravan, which was introduced in 1984 as a utility aircraft for various purposes. The Grand Caravan EX was launched in 2012 as an improved version of the Caravan, offering more power, more payload, and more range.

The Grand Caravan EX has a single-engine configuration that delivers 867 horsepower. It can carry up to 14 passengers or 3,692 pounds of cargo. It has a range of 964 nautical miles (1,109 miles) with a full load. It also has a high-wing design that provides stability and visibility in flight.

The Grand Caravan EX is well-equipped for landing on unpaved runways. It has rugged landing gear that can handle rough surfaces without damage. It also has a large propeller that can reverse thrust and brake quickly on short fields. Moreover, it has a Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite that provides situational awareness and guidance in challenging environments.

The Grand Caravan EX is currently available through various operators around the world. It is also used by some humanitarian organizations, such as the Mission Aviation Fellowship, for delivering aid and relief to remote areas.

Landing on unpaved runways can be a great option for private jet travelers who want to explore new and exciting destinations. However, not all private jets are capable of doing so. Therefore, it is important to choose a private jet that has the right features and equipment for landing on unconventional runways. Most common executive aircraft that can land on unpaved runways, such as the Pilatus PC-24, the Dassault Falcon 20i, and the Cessna Grand Caravan EX. These aircraft offer a combination of luxury, performance, and versatility that make them ideal for landing on grass, dirt, gravel, or other natural surfaces.

Comparison of Rough-Field Aircraft

Each of these aircraft is documented by the manufacturer or regulators as capable of short/rough field operations:

 

Aircraft Model	Max Pax	Max Range	Rough-Field Features
PC‑24 (Super Versatile Jet)	6–10	2,000 nm	Certified for grass/gravel/snow; large cargo door; steep-approach capable.
Falcon 20i (Falcon 2000 variant)	~8–10	~2,400 nm (est.)	Special gravel kits available; twin‑jet speed and long range. Used often for cargo/special missions.
Caravan EX (C208B)	10–14	912 nm	High‑wing turboprop; “rough-field” tires and gear; very short takeoff (1,399 ft roll).
PC‑12 PRO (Pilatus)	up to 9	1,765 nm	Pressurized single-engine; certified on grass, gravel, snow; large cargo door and variable interior.
Kodiak 100 (Daher)	10	~1,100 nm	Extreme STOL turboprop; rugged landing gear; float-ready design; built for bush operations.

 

FAQs

1. What approvals or documentation are needed?

Verify that your aircraft is certified for unpaved operations (check the AFM/POH and type certificate data). Many models (PC‑24, PC‑12, Caravan EX) explicitly allow grass/gravel use. Ensure any optional gravel-kits or SBCK modifications are accomplished per manufacturer guidance. No special FAA license is usually required beyond the pilot’s normal rating, but pilots should be trained for short‑field techniques. Flight planning should note the strip type and any advisory remarks; coordinate with flight dispatch or aviation authorities as needed.

2. How should the runway surface be assessed?

Conduct thorough pre-flight checks: obtain NOTAMs, aerial imagery or local reports about the strip. Look for foreign objects, softness (rain saturation), slope and obstacles. On arrival day, a low pass or an inspection by qualified personnel (flying a safe overflight or ground vehicle) is recommended. Remember that grass or dirt will extend landing roll and reduce braking compared to pavement. Pilots increase safety margins (higher approach speeds, longer field length buffers). Pilatus engineers found the PC‑24 handled even very wet and snowy gravel remarkably well; evidence that modern designs cope robustly when crews follow guidance.

3. What performance adjustments are needed?

Always use the aircraft’s short-field performance charts which often include unpaved operations. For example, the Caravan EX can land within ~1,836 ft. On a soft strip, operators might assume longer distances (wet grass or mud increases roll). Many AFMs double the landing count for an unpaved landing (as a maintenance policy) for wear recognition, but flight planning still relies on takeoff/landing distances. Weight is crucial: limit payload if runway is marginal. Climb-out gradients may also be affected by debris ingestion risk, so pilots often climb straight ahead to a safe altitude.

4. Are special aircraft features required?

A “rough-field kit” (e.g. deflectors, gravel shields) is helpful but not always mandatory. The PC‑24, for instance, was certified without extra modifications for grass/gravel. The Caravan EX comes with rugged gear as standard. Many operators equip aircraft with large tundra tires or propeller de‑icers for safety, but these are enhancements, not regulatory needs. The most important equipment is a good cockpit situational awareness (GPS mapping of strip, approach charts) and solid short-field avionics (autopilot coupled approach can help).

5. What about crew training or maintenance?

Pilots should be proficient in short‑field/soft‑field techniques (often taught in Part 135 or Part 61 training). Familiarity with the specific aircraft’s rough-field operating procedures is essential. After operations, the airframe and engines should be inspected for debris (though tests on the PC‑24 showed no debris ingestion issues). Log any unpaved operation in maintenance logs if required by the manufacturer or operator policy. Otherwise, typical inspections (gear, tires, brakes) suffice.

6. How can weather affect unpaved operations?

Adverse weather magnifies risk. For example, rain can soften a dirt runway or create mud, drastically increasing roll distance. Operators use updated surface condition reports (SFCOND from ATIS/Flight Service) and may postpone if the strip is saturated. Some regions have reliable seasons (e.g. a “dry season” for African bush strips). When conditions are good, the performance margin is similar to a wet pavement takeoff/landing. In Pilatus’ testing, even a simulated 80-foot flow of water on a runway showed the PC‑24 could still operate normally; indicating these jets have significant wet-field capability, though caution is always advised.

 

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