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

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


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

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

  • Topic:
    Time:
    Part 1, Introduction:
    0:05
    Part 2, Rough Water Approach and Landing:
    0:10
    Part 3, Rough Water Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):
    0:15
    Part 4, Rough Water Approach and Landing Risk Management:
    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) Rough Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan

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


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

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



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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

    Wind correction techniques on approach and landing.
  • PA.IV.L.K4:

    When and why rough water techniques are used.
  • PA.IV.L.K5:

    How to perform a proper rough water approach and landing.

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

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

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

    Effects of:
    • PA.IV.L.R2a:

      Crosswind.
    • PA.IV.L.R2b:

      Windshear.
    • PA.IV.L.R2c:

      Tailwind.
    • PA.IV.L.R2d:

      Wake turbulence.
    • PA.IV.L.R2e:

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

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

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

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

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

    Gear position in an amphibious airplane.

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

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

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

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

    Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned waterway.
  • PA.IV.L.S4:

    Scan the landing area for traffic and obstructions.
  • PA.IV.L.S5:

    Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions.
  • PA.IV.L.S7:

    Maintain manufacturer's published approach airspeed or in its absence not more than 1.3 VSO, +10/-5 knots with gust factor applied.
  • PA.IV.L.S8:

    Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing.
  • PA.IV.L.S9:

    Make smooth, timely, and correct power and control adjustments to maintain proper pitch attitude and rate of descent to touchdown.
  • PA.IV.L.S10:

    Contact the water in a proper pitch attitude, considering the type of rough water.


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

Private Pilot (Airplane) Rough 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.