Soft/Rough-Field Approach and Landing
Lesson Plan

Introduction:

  • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a soft-field approach and landing with emphasis on proper use and coordination of flight controls
  • References: FAA-S-ACS-6, FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3; POH/AFM; AIM

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 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:

  • Complete assigned reading (see content above)
  • Ask pertinent questions

Completion Standards:

  • Soft/Rough-Field Approach and Landing (ASEL):

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

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

    The applicant must demonstrate an 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

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

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

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

    The applicant demonstrates the ability to:
    • PA.IV.D.S1:
      Complete the appropriate checklist
    • 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 and airspeed, 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.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.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