Short-Field Approach and Landing
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with short-field approach and landing with emphasis on proper use and coordination of flight controls
  • References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Attention:

  • Research a mishap case study:
  • Discuss how the initial conditions developed into an incident/accident/mishap
  • Relate similar personal experience of the same type of incident/accident/mishap

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

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Short-Field Approach and Landing:
0:15
Review (quiz):
0:05
Case Studies:
0:05
Total Ground Time:
0:30

Required Materials:

  • Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

Student Actions:

Private Pilot - Short-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL):

  • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with short-field approach and landing with emphasis on proper use and coordination of flight controls
  • References: AIM; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM

Short-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

Short-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Risk Management:

The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:

Short-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

  • PA.IV.F.S1:

    Complete the appropriate checklist(s)

  • PA.IV.F.S2:

    Make radio calls as appropriate

  • PA.IV.F.S3:

    Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway

  • PA.IV.F.S4:

    Scan the landing runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions

  • PA.IV.F.S5:

    Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions

  • PA.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

  • PA.IV.F.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.F.S8:

    Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing

  • PA.IV.F.S9:

    Make smooth, timely, and correct control application before, during, and after touchdown

  • PA.IV.F.S10:

    Touch down at a proper pitch attitude within 200 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

  • PA.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

  • PA.IV.F.S13:

    Use runway incursion avoidance procedures, if applicable

Re-Motivation:

Closure:

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