Short-Field Approach and Landing
Lesson Plan

Attention:

• Research a mishap case study:
  • Approach and Landing case studies
• 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:

Required Materials:

• Paper, Pen, Marker, Whiteboard

Instructor Actions:

• Discuss short-field approach and landing
• Discuss short-field approach and landing procedures
• Discuss short-field approach and landing common errors
• Discuss short-field approach and landing airman certification standards
• Discuss case studies
• Conclusion

Student Actions:

• Complete assigned reading (see content above)
• Ask pertinent questions
• Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate

Completion Standards:

• Short-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL):

  
  

  Short-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Knowledge:

  The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

  • PA.IV.F.K1:

    A stabilized approach, to include energy management concepts

  • PA.IV.F.K2:

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

  • PA.IV.F.K3:

    Wind correction techniques on approach and landing

  
  

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

  The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing:

  • PA.IV.F.R1:

    Selection of runway based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind

  • PA.IV.F.R2:

    Effects of:

    • PA.IV.F.R2a:

      Crosswind

    • PA.IV.F.R2b:

      Windshear

      • Windshear information

    • PA.IV.F.R2c:

      Tailwind

      • Tailwind information

    • PA.IV.F.R2d:

      Wake turbulence

    • PA.IV.F.R2e:

      Runway surface/condition

  • PA.IV.F.R3:

    Planning for:

    • PA.IV.F.R3a:

      Go-around and rejected landing

    • PA.IV.F.R3b:

      Land and hold short operations (LAHSO)

      • Land and holding short operations (LAHSO)

  • PA.IV.F.R4:

    Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, wires, vehicles, persons, and wildlife

  • PA.IV.F.R5:

    Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT

  • PA.IV.F.R6:

    Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management

  
  

  Short-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL) Skills:

  The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

  • PA.IV.F.S1:

    Complete the appropriate checklist

  • 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, landing surface, and obstructions

  • PA.IV.F.S6:

    Establish the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed, 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 V_SO, +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 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.F.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.F.S11:

    Maintain elevator as recommended by manufacturer during rollout and exit the "soft" area at a speed that would preclude sinking into the surface

  • 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:

    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