Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area V, Task F

The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Short-Field Approach and Landing Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with short-field approach and landing with emphasis on proper use and coordination of flight controls.

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
    0:05
    Part 2, Short-Field Approach and Landing:
    0:15
    Part 3, Short-Field Approach and Landing Risk Management:
    0:15
    Part 4, Short-Field Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):
    0:15
    Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research and present a mishap case study:
    • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap.
    • Relate similar personal experiences of the same type of incident/accident/mishap.
    • Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario.

  • Motivator:

    • The goal of the short-field approach and landing is to maximize aircraft performance in order to safely and accurately land when runway distance is limited
      • The approach is made with minimum engine power commensurate with flying towards the aiming point on the runway
      • This will result in a steeper approach than otherwise flown with other landing procedures
      • Speed must be reduced progressively as the aircraft's height reduces, and after reaching the airspeed for final approach it must be maintained accurately. After touch-down, the pilot applies maximum wheel braking and maximum up-elevator. Wing-flaps are sometimes retracted to allow better braking performance
      • Tips:
        • Touchdown as close to the approach end as safely possible
        • Utilize maximum braking available
        • Keep tires on the ground to keep friction
        • Land into a headwind
        • Land as the lowest weight possible

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Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Materials

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Review the maneuver's common errors and assess the learner's understanding of their mitigations.
  • Before the lesson, review reference materials.
  • Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
  • Part 2, Short-Field Approach and Landing:
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply short-field approach and landing.
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how a stabilized approach and energy management support precise touchdown-point control without excessive sink, float, or braking demand. (CA.IV.F.K1)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how density altitude, wind, gusts, runway slope, and runway surface or condition affect approach, landing, stopping distance, and go-around performance. (CA.IV.F.K2)
    • Demonstrate wind-correction techniques from final approach through touchdown and rollout, including progressively increasing crosswind-control input as airspeed decreases. (CA.IV.F.K3)
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply short-field approach and landing procedures.
    • Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply short-field approach and landing common errors.
  • Part 3, Short-Field Approach and Landing Risk Management:
    • Select a runway by considering pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available landing and stopping distance, wind, obstacles, and surface condition. (CA.IV.F.R1)
    • Assess and mitigate the combined effects of crosswind, windshear, tailwind, wake turbulence, and runway surface or condition before committing to the approach. (CA.IV.F.R2, CA.IV.F.R2a, CA.IV.F.R2b, CA.IV.F.R2c, CA.IV.F.R2d, CA.IV.F.R2e)
    • Establish objective rejected-landing and go-around criteria before final approach and determine whether any land-and-hold-short clearance is compatible with the required landing distance and stopping margin. (CA.IV.F.R3, CA.IV.F.R3a, CA.IV.F.R3b)
    • Have the learner identify collision hazards involving traffic, vehicles, wildlife, obstructions, and runway incursions, and maintain an effective visual scan throughout the maneuver. (CA.IV.F.R4)
    • Manage low-altitude maneuvering risks, including an unstable approach that could develop into a stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain. (CA.IV.F.R5)
    • Manage distractions, prioritize tasks, maintain situational awareness, and recognize conditions that could cause disorientation during the approach and landing. (CA.IV.F.R6)
  • Part 4, Short-Field Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):
    • Lead the guided scenario using a realistic commercial mission to a runway where landing distance and obstacle clearance require short-field technique.
    • Require the learner to complete the appropriate checklist and make radio calls appropriate to the operating environment. (CA.IV.F.S1, CA.IV.F.S2)
    • Require the learner to verify alignment with the correct runway and scan it and the adjoining area for traffic and obstructions. (CA.IV.F.S3, CA.IV.F.S4)
    • Require selection of a suitable touchdown point based on wind, runway condition, available distance, and obstructions. (CA.IV.F.S5)
    • Have the learner establish the recommended configuration, airspeed, and trim; maintain a stabilized approach; and apply an appropriate gust factor when required. (CA.IV.F.S6, CA.IV.F.S7)
    • Assess directional control and crosswind correction continuously from final approach through touchdown and rollout. (CA.IV.F.S8)
    • Require smooth, timely, and correct control application before, during, and after touchdown. (CA.IV.F.S9)
    • Require touchdown at the proper pitch attitude within 100 feet beyond or on the specified point, with no side drift, minimum float, and the longitudinal axis aligned with the runway centerline. (CA.IV.F.S10)
    • Require the manufacturer-recommended configuration and braking procedures while maintaining directional control. (CA.IV.F.S11)
    • Introduce a destabilizing or unsafe condition and require a timely go-around whenever the approach cannot be completed within standards. (CA.IV.F.S12)
    • Require runway-incursion-avoidance procedures during rollout and runway exit. (CA.IV.F.S13)
  • Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
    • Tie lesson back to previous lessons (power-off stalls) to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
    • Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
    • Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
  • Update the instructor log and student progress. Select the student and sign off completed objectives. If the student does not have a connected account, record the update manually in the instructor log and student training record.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Student Actions

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Airman Certification Standards

Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
Skills 13 ACS Elements
  • CA.IV.F.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • CA.IV.F.S2:
    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • CA.IV.F.S3:
    Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway.
  • CA.IV.F.S4:
    Scan the landing runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions.
  • CA.IV.F.S5:
    Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions.
  • CA.IV.F.S6:
    Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration, airspeed, and trim, and adjust pitch attitude and power as required to maintain a stabilized approach.
  • CA.IV.F.S7:
    Maintain manufacturer's published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, ±5 knots with gust factor applied.
  • CA.IV.F.S8:
    Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
  • CA.IV.F.S9:
    Make smooth, timely, and correct control application before, during, and after touchdown.
  • CA.IV.F.S10:
    Touch down at a proper pitch attitude within 100 feet beyond or on the specified point, threshold markings, or runway numbers, with no side drift, minimum float, and with the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway centerline.
  • CA.IV.F.S12:
    Execute a timely go-around if the approach cannot be made within the tolerances specified above or for any other condition that may result in an unsafe approach or landing.
  • CA.IV.F.S13:
    Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Short Field Approach and Landing requires disciplined planning, stabilized energy management, and precise control from the approach through touchdown and rollout.
    • Evaluating wind, runway conditions, obstacles, aircraft performance, and personal limitations helps pilots recognize when an approach remains safe and when a timely go-around is required.
    • Consistent airspeed control, runway alignment, traffic scanning, communication, and checklist discipline integrate aircraft handling with sound operational judgment.
    • Continued practice with Short Field Approach and Landing prepares commercial pilots for changing conditions and increasingly demanding landing scenarios in later training.

  • Closure:

    • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
    • To learn more about preparing for the practical test, visit the checkride page.
    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.