Private Pilot (Airplane)
Soft/Rough-Field Approach and Landing
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

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
  • Consider incorporating a case study as a guided scenario

Motivator:

  • The goal of the soft-field approach and landing is to maximize aircraft performance in order to safely and accurately land the airplane, obtaining maximum performance, by touching down at the slowest possible airspeed

Overview:

Topic:
Time:
Introduction:
0:05
Soft/Rough-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 (Airplane) Soft/Rough-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Airman Certification Standards:

.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Soft/Rough-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Knowledge:

The applicant demonstrates understanding of:

  • PA.IV.D.K1:

    A stabilized approach, to include energy management concepts.

  • PA.IV.D.K2:

    Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance.

  • PA.IV.D.K3:

    Wind correction techniques on approach and landing.

Private Pilot (Airplane) Soft/Rough-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Risk Management:

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

Private Pilot (Airplane) Soft/Rough-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Skills:

The applicant exhibits the skill to:

  • PA.IV.D.S1:

    Complete the appropriate checklist(s).

  • PA.IV.D.S2:

    Make radio calls as appropriate.

  • PA.IV.D.S3:

    Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway.

  • PA.IV.D.S4:

    Scan the landing runway and adjoining area for traffic and obstructions.

  • PA.IV.D.S5:

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

  • PA.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.

  • PA.IV.D.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.D.S8:

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

  • PA.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.

  • PA.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.

  • PA.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.

  • PA.IV.D.S13:

    Maintain proper position of the flight controls and sufficient speed to taxi while on the soft surface.

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

Conclusion: