Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) • ACS Area V, Task D
The Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with soft-field approach and landing with emphasis on proper use and coordination of flight controls.
Introduction
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Part 1, Introduce the lesson:0:05Part 2, Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing:0:15Part 3, Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing Risk Management:0:15Part 4, Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):0:15Part 5, Conclude Lesson:0:05Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
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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.
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Motivator:
- Explain how proficiency in soft field approach and landing supports safe and effective flight operations.
Materials
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Required Materials:
- Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) [Amazon] or an internet-enabled device to access the AIM.
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, Portable whiteboard [Amazon]).
- Weight and Balance worksheet.
- Pilot Information/Operating Handbook.
- Airman Certification Standards [Amazon] or an internet-enabled device to access the ACS.
- Student jacket.
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Optional Materials:
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
- Takeoff and Climb Supplement.
- Instructor Endorsement Log.
- Approach and Landing Supplement.
- Fitness for Flight Supplement.
- Aeronautical Information Manual.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Descent and Landing Performance Supplement.
- Takeoff and Climb Performance Supplement.
- Wake Turbulence Supplement.
- Land and Hold Short Operations Supplement.
- Visual Scanning and Collision Avoidance Supplement.
- Flight Deck Management Supplement.
- Radio Communications Supplement.
- Test-taking Guidance.
- Test Guides.
- The Checkride Supplement.
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards (ACS).
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of soft/rough-field approach and landing.
- Part 2, Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing:
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply soft/rough-field approach and landing.
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how a stabilized approach and sound energy management establish the conditions for a minimum-sink-rate touchdown without sacrificing directional control. (CA.IV.D.K1)
- Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how density altitude, wind, gusts, runway slope, and a soft, rough, wet, or contaminated surface affect approach, landing, and rollout performance. (CA.IV.D.K2)
- Demonstrate wind-correction techniques from final approach through touchdown and rollout, including the progressive increase in crosswind-control input as airspeed decreases. (CA.IV.D.K3)
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply soft/rough-field approach and landing procedures.
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply soft/rough-field approach and landing common errors.
- Discuss soft/rough-field approach and landing airman certification standards.
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply case studies.
- Conclusion.
- Part 3, Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing Risk Management:
- Select a runway or landing area by considering pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, surface condition, obstacles, and wind. (CA.IV.D.R1)
- Assess and mitigate the combined effects of crosswind, windshear, tailwind, wake turbulence, and the landing surface or condition before committing to the approach. (CA.IV.D.R2, CA.IV.D.R2a, CA.IV.D.R2b, CA.IV.D.R2c, CA.IV.D.R2d, CA.IV.D.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 soft-field operation. (CA.IV.D.R3, CA.IV.D.R3a, CA.IV.D.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.D.R4)
- Manage low-altitude maneuvering risks, including an approach that could develop into a stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain. (CA.IV.D.R5)
- Manage distractions, prioritize tasks, maintain situational awareness, and recognize conditions that could cause disorientation during the approach and landing. (CA.IV.D.R6)
- Part 4, Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):
- Lead the guided scenario using a realistic commercial mission to a soft or rough landing surface.
- Require the learner to complete the appropriate checklist and make radio calls appropriate to the operating environment. (CA.IV.D.S1, CA.IV.D.S2)
- Require the learner to verify alignment with the correct runway or landing area and scan it and the adjoining area for traffic and obstructions. (CA.IV.D.S3, CA.IV.D.S4)
- Require selection of a suitable touchdown point based on wind, surface condition, available distance, and obstructions. (CA.IV.D.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.D.S6, CA.IV.D.S7)
- Assess directional control and crosswind correction continuously from final approach through touchdown and rollout. (CA.IV.D.S8)
- Require smooth, timely control inputs during roundout and touchdown, keeping the nosewheel off the surface until elevator effectiveness is lost in a tricycle-gear airplane. (CA.IV.D.S9)
- Require touchdown at the proper pitch attitude with minimum sink rate, no side drift, and the longitudinal axis aligned with the runway centerline. (CA.IV.D.S10)
- Maintain the manufacturer-recommended elevator position during rollout and exit the soft area at a speed that prevents the airplane from sinking into the surface. (CA.IV.D.S11)
- Introduce a destabilizing condition and require a timely go-around whenever the approach cannot be completed within standards or safely. (CA.IV.D.S12)
- Require proper flight-control positioning and sufficient speed to taxi safely while remaining on the soft surface. (CA.IV.D.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) Soft Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan Interactive Guided Scenario
Commercial Pilot Airplane Soft Field Approach And Landing Guided Flight
Work through one integrated 169-decision guided scenario combining 11 linked lesson topics into a comprehensive training exercise.
Decision 1
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Scenario Complete
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Airman Certification Standards
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Approach & Landing Airman Certification Standards
- Objective: To determine whether the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with soft-field approach and landing with emphasis on proper use and coordination of flight controls
- References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge); POH/AFM.
Knowledge 3 ACS Elements
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CA.IV.D.K1: A stabilized approach, to include energy management concepts. -
CA.IV.D.K2: Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance. -
CA.IV.D.K3: Wind correction techniques on approach and landing.
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
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CA.IV.D.R1: Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind. -
CA.IV.D.R2: Effects of:-
CA.IV.D.R2a: -
CA.IV.D.R2b: -
CA.IV.D.R2c: -
CA.IV.D.R2d: -
CA.IV.D.R2e:
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CA.IV.D.R3: Planning for:-
CA.IV.D.R3a: -
CA.IV.D.R3b:
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CA.IV.D.R4: -
CA.IV.D.R5: Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT). -
CA.IV.D.R6:
Skills 13 ACS Elements
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CA.IV.D.S1: Complete the appropriate checklist(s). -
CA.IV.D.S2: Make radio calls as appropriate. -
CA.IV.D.S3: Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway. -
CA.IV.D.S4: Scan the landing runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions. -
CA.IV.D.S5: Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind, landing surface, and obstructions. -
CA.IV.D.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.D.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.D.S8: -
CA.IV.D.S9: Make smooth, timely, and correct control inputs during the round out and touchdown, and, for tricycle gear airplanes, keep the nose wheel off the surface until loss of elevator effectiveness. -
CA.IV.D.S10: Touch down at a proper pitch attitude with minimum sink rate, no side drift, and with the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with the center of the runway. -
CA.IV.D.S11: Maintain elevator as recommended by manufacturer during rollout and exit the "soft" area at a speed that would preclude sinking into the surface. -
CA.IV.D.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.D.S13: Maintain proper position of the flight controls and sufficient speed to taxi while on the soft surface.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Soft 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 Soft Field Approach and Landing prepares commercial pilots for changing conditions and increasingly demanding landing scenarios in later training.
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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.