Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Lesson Plan

Flight Instructor (Airplane) • ACS Area VII, Task D

The Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Lesson Plan covers the instructional knowledge, risk management, and skills required by FAA-S-ACS-25.

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Lesson Plan

Introduction

  • Schedule

    Topic:
    Time:
    Attention/Motivator:
    0:05
    Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    0:25
    Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    0:15
    Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    0:30
    Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:
    0:20
    Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    0:05
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Present a teaching scenario in which learner safety or understanding depends on effective instruction in soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL (Airplane Single-Engine Land)).
    • Ask the instructor applicant to identify the first instructional decision that will shape the learner's outcome.

  • Motivator:

    • To determine the applicant understands soft-field approach and landing, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.

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Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Lesson Plan

Materials

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Lesson Plan

Instructor Actions

  • Before the lesson, review the reference materials, applicable airplane limitations, and the instructor applicant's prior lesson preparation.
  • Part 1, Lesson Introduction:
    • Present the attention getter and motivator.
    • Review Area of Operation VII, Task D, and the Airman Certification Standards.
    • State the lesson objective: To determine the applicant understands soft-field approach and landing, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • Part 2, Instructional Knowledge:
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply the soft-field approach-and-landing sequence from surface assessment and stabilized approach through minimum-sink touchdown and continuous soft-surface rollout. (AI.VII.D.K1)
    • Relate configuration, airspeed, descent rate, power, aim point, touchdown attitude, and go-around criteria to energy management. (AI.VII.D.K2)
    • Use an aircraft- or scenario-specific example, then have the learner explain how wind, gusts, density altitude, surface softness or contamination, weight, and obstacles affect landing and rollout performance. (AI.VII.D.K3)
    • Present a concrete example, then require the learner to explain and apply crosswind correction through touchdown and rollout while protecting the nosewheel and maintaining continuous movement. (AI.VII.D.K4)
    • Have the learner identify and correct common errors such as unstable energy, excessive sink, hard touchdown, premature nosewheel lowering, braking, and stopping on the soft surface. (AI.VII.D.K5)
  • Part 3, Risk Management Instruction:
    • Select the runway using pilot capability, performance, available distance, wind, surface bearing strength and condition, obstacles, and go-around options. (AI.VII.D.R1)
    • Assess and mitigate the following environmental and surface hazards: (AI.VII.D.R2)
      • Crosswind (AI.VII.D.R2a)
      • Windshear (AI.VII.D.R2b)
      • Tailwind (AI.VII.D.R2c)
      • Wake turbulence (AI.VII.D.R2d)
      • Runway surface/condition (AI.VII.D.R2e)
    • Establish decision points and procedures for: (AI.VII.D.R3)
      • Rejected landing and go-around (AI.VII.D.R3a)
      • Land and hold short operations (LAHSO) (AI.VII.D.R3b)
    • Control collision hazards through traffic scanning, appropriate calls, wake-turbulence avoidance, and runway-clear verification. (AI.VII.D.R4)
    • Protect stall, spin, obstacle, and CFIT margins with precise airspeed, coordination, descent path, and timely go-around decisions. (AI.VII.D.R5)
    • Manage distractions so airspeed, sink rate, alignment, wind correction, surface condition, and situational awareness remain primary. (AI.VII.D.R6)
    • Require the instructor applicant to model risk controls, intervention points, and discontinue criteria while teaching.
  • Part 4, Skill Demonstration and Teaching:
    • Complete the appropriate checklists and verify landing readiness. (AI.VII.D.S1)
    • Make clear, timely radio calls. (AI.VII.D.S2)
    • Verify alignment with the correct or assigned runway. (AI.VII.D.S3)
    • Scan the runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions. (AI.VII.D.S4)
    • Select and maintain a suitable touchdown point considering wind, surface, and obstructions. (AI.VII.D.S5)
    • Establish the recommended configuration, airspeed, and trim, then coordinate pitch and power for a stabilized approach. (AI.VII.D.S6)
    • Maintain the published approach speed or, if none, no more than 1.3 VSO, ±5 knots, with an appropriate gust factor. (AI.VII.D.S7)
    • Maintain directional control and crosswind correction throughout approach, touchdown, and rollout. (AI.VII.D.S8)
    • Apply smooth controls through roundout and touchdown and, in a tricycle-gear airplane, keep the nosewheel off until elevator effectiveness diminishes. (AI.VII.D.S9)
    • Touch down in the proper pitch attitude at minimum sink rate, without side drift, and aligned with runway centerline. (AI.VII.D.S10)
    • Maintain manufacturer-recommended elevator input and continuous motion until clear of the soft area. (AI.VII.D.S11)
    • Execute a timely go-around whenever tolerances cannot be maintained or another unsafe condition develops. (AI.VII.D.S12)
    • Maintain proper flight-control position and enough taxi speed to avoid sinking into the soft surface. (AI.VII.D.S13)
    • Analyze learner performance and correct common errors without compromising positive aircraft control. (AI.VII.D.S14)
    • Coach simultaneous explanation, demonstration, observation, error correction, and, when airborne, positive aircraft control.
  • Part 5, Guided Teaching Scenario:
    • Lead the guided scenario.
    • Evaluate instructional organization, technical accuracy, risk management, learner engagement, and every applicable ACS element.
  • Part 6, Lesson Conclusion:
    • Review the lesson objective, instructional strengths, risk-management decisions, and items requiring additional practice.
    • Present the re-motivation and closure.
  • Update instructor records and the instructor applicant's training record, as required.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Lesson Plan

Guided Scenario(s)

  • The instructor applicant must teach a soft-field approach-and-landing lesson (ASEL) while maintaining an organized flow and appropriate learner participation.
  • Require a surface and runway assessment, performance and wind review, stabilized-approach and go-around criteria, traffic review, and low-altitude intervention limits. (AI.VII.D.R1–R6)
  • Have the applicant teach minimum-sink touchdown, nosewheel protection, wind correction, continuous rollout, taxi control, and go-around judgment. (AI.VII.D.S1–S13)
  • Introduce an error such as excessive sink, hard touchdown, premature nosewheel lowering, braking, stopping, or delayed go-around; require timely intervention and learner-centered correction. (AI.VII.D.K5; AI.VII.D.S14)
  • Conclude with a learner-centered assessment and instructor self-critique tied to the ACS knowledge, risk management, and skill elements.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Lesson Plan

Student Actions

  • Complete assigned readings and prepare a lesson plan with objective, content sequence, teaching aids, assessment, and completion standards.
  • Teach the applicable knowledge elements accurately and in learner-appropriate language rather than relying on rote recitation.
  • Identify, assess, mitigate, and teach the risks associated with the task.
  • Demonstrate or explain each applicable skill while maintaining positive control, observing the learner, and correcting errors appropriately.
  • Use effective questions, check learner understanding, conduct a learner-centered assessment, and perform an instructor self-assessment.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Lesson Plan

Airman Certification Standards

Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Airman Certification Standards

  • Note: The evaluator must select at least two takeoff and two landing Tasks from Area of Operation VII, Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds.
  • Task D: Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL).
  • Objective: To determine the applicant understands soft-field approach and landing, can apply that knowledge, manage associated risks, demonstrate appropriate skills, and provide effective instruction.
  • References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-9, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM
Knowledge 5 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.D.K1:
    Purpose of and procedures for soft-field approach and landing.
  • AI.VII.D.K2:
    A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
  • AI.VII.D.K3:
    Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
  • AI.VII.D.K4:
    Wind correction techniques on approach and landing.
  • AI.VII.D.K5:
    Common errors related to this Task.
Risk Management 6 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.D.R1:
    Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind.
  • AI.VII.D.R2:
    Effects of:
    • AI.VII.D.R2a:
      Crosswind
    • AI.VII.D.R2b:
      Windshear
    • AI.VII.D.R2c:
      Tailwind
    • AI.VII.D.R2d:
      Wake turbulence
    • AI.VII.D.R2e:
      Runway surface/condition
  • AI.VII.D.R3:
    Planning for:
    • AI.VII.D.R3a:
      Rejected landing and go-around
    • AI.VII.D.R3b:
      Land and hold short operations (LAHSO)
  • AI.VII.D.R4:
    Collision hazards.
  • AI.VII.D.R5:
    Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
  • AI.VII.D.R6:
    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
Skills 14 ACS Elements
  • AI.VII.D.S1:
    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • AI.VII.D.S2:
    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • AI.VII.D.S3:
    Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway.
  • AI.VII.D.S4:
    Scan the landing runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions.
  • AI.VII.D.S5:
    Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions.
  • AI.VII.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.
  • AI.VII.D.S7:
    Maintain manufacturer’s published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 times the stalling speed or the minimum steady flight speed in the landing configuration (VSO), ±5 knots with gust factor applied.
  • AI.VII.D.S8:
    Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
  • AI.VII.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.
  • AI.VII.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.
  • AI.VII.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.
  • AI.VII.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.
  • AI.VII.D.S13:
    Maintain proper position of the flight controls and sufficient speed to taxi while on the soft surface.
  • AI.VII.D.S14:
    Analyze and correct common errors related to this Task.
Flight Instructor (Airplane) Soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Lesson Plan

Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

    • Effective instruction in soft-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) helps learners build sound judgment, technical competence, and safe operating habits.

  • Closure:

    • Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
    • Assign study materials for the next lesson.