Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

The Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach and Landing Lesson Plan covers the knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with glassy water approach and landing.


Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan Introduction

  • Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Glassy Water Approach and Landing:
    0:10
    Part 3, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Risk Management:
    0:10
    Part 4, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):
    0:15
    Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
    0:10
    Remotivation/Closure:
    0:05
    Total Ground Time:
    0:00

  • Attention Getter:

    • Research 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:

    • Soft field takeoffs maximize performance when departing from a soft or rough runway surface
    • Otherwise "hard" surfaces can become "soft" following rainstorms or disturbance
    • These soft and rough surfaces provide unique challenges which may make the aircraft harder to control and reduce acceleration
    • Additionally, with soft and perhaps bumpy surfaces, you are at risk of getting the nose wheel stuck
    • For this reason, procedures may specify a flap setting

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan Materials


Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan Instructor Actions



Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan Guided Scenario(s)


Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan Student Actions


Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Airman Certification Standards

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES) Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates an understanding of:
  • PA.IV.J.K1:

    A stabilized approach, including energy management concepts.
  • PA.IV.J.K2:

    Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.
  • PA.IV.J.K3:

    When and why glassy water techniques are used.
  • PA.IV.J.K4:

    How a glassy water approach and landing is executed.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES) Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with:
  • PA.IV.J.R1:

    Selection of approach path and touchdown area based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, and available distance.
  • PA.IV.J.R2:

    Water surface/condition.
  • PA.IV.J.R3:

    Planning for a go-around and rejected landing.
  • PA.IV.J.R4:

    Collision hazards.
  • PA.IV.J.R5:

    Low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin, or controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
  • PA.IV.J.R6:

    Distractions, task prioritization, loss of situational awareness, or disorientation.
  • PA.IV.J.R7:

    Gear position in an amphibious airplane.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES) Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skills to:
  • PA.IV.J.S1:

    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).
  • PA.IV.J.S2:

    Make radio calls as appropriate.
  • PA.IV.J.S3:

    Scan the landing area for traffic and obstructions.
  • PA.IV.J.S4:

    Select a proper approach and landing path considering the landing surface, visual attitude references, water depth, and Collision hazards.
  • PA.IV.J.S5:

    Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration, airspeed, and trim, and adjust pitch attitude and power as required to maintain a stabilized approach.
  • PA.IV.J.S6:

    Maintain manufacturer's published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, +10/-5 knots.
  • PA.IV.J.S7:

    Make smooth, timely, and correct power and control adjustments to maintain proper pitch attitude and rate of descent to touchdown.
  • PA.IV.J.S8:

    Contact the water in a proper pitch attitude, and slow to idle taxi speed.
  • PA.IV.J.S9:

    Maintain directional control throughout the approach and landing.


Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

Private Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan Conclusion

  • Re-Motivation:

  • Closure:

    • The FAA provides test-taking guidance and test guides on its website.
    • To learn more about earning 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.