Sport Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Lesson Plan
Sport Pilot (Airplane) • PTS Area IV, Task H
The Sport Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach And Landing Lesson Plan covers the knowledge and skills required by FAA-S-8081-29A.
Introduction
-
Schedule:
Topic:Time:Part 1, Introduction:0:05Part 2, Glassy Water Approach and Landing:0:10Part 3, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Risk Management:0:10Part 4, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):0:15Part 5, Conclude Lesson:0:10Remotivation/Closure:0:05Total Ground Time:0:00
-
Attention Getter:
- Research and present 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
Materials
-
Required Materials:
- Writing instrument (pen, marker, etc.).
- Writing surface (paper, whiteboard, etc.).
- Weight and Balance worksheet.
- Pilot Information/Operating Handbook.
- Airman Certification Standards.
- Student jacket.
-
Optional Materials:
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Instructor endorsement log.
-
Reference Materials:
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91.
- Federal Aviation Regulations Part 93.
- Aeronautical Information Manual.
- Risk Management Handbook.
- Airplane Flying Handbook.
- Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook.
- Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.
- Airman Certification Standards:
- Hard copies of the ACS and Oral Exam Guides are available on Amazon.
- Digital copies of the ACS are available on the FAA's website.
Instructor Actions
- Before the lesson, review reference materials.
- Part 1, Introduce the lesson:
- Review the lesson plan, including the attention and motivator.
- Review the airman certification standards.
- Introduce Glassy Water Approach and Landing.
- Part 2, Glassy Water Approach and Landing:
- Introduce collision hazards.
- Introduce low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin and controlled flight into terrain risks.
- Introduce distractions, task prioritization, situational awareness, and disorientation.
- Introduce runway incursion risks.
- Part 3, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Risk Management:
- Part 4, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):
- Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
- Relate lesson to power-on stalls.
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Update instructor endorsement records and the student's jacket, as required.
Guided Scenario(s)
- .
- Related scenarios:
Student Actions
- Complete the assigned readings (see content above).
- Ask pertinent questions.
- Perform self-assessment, including fitness for flight and personal minimums, as appropriate.
- Make a go/no-go decision, as appropriate.
Airman Certification Standards
Sport Pilot (Airplane) Glassy Water Approach & Landing Practical Test Standards
- Source: FAA-S-8081-29A, Section 1 - Sport Pilot Airplane.
- Task: GLASSY WATER APPROACH AND LANDING (ASES).
- Note: If glassy water condition does not exist, the applicant shall be evaluated by simulating the TASK.
- References: FAA-H-8083-23; AFM/POH.
- Objective: To determine that the applicant:
Objective Elements 9 PTS Elements
-
SP.1: Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to glassy water approach and landing. -
SP.2: Adequately surveys the intended landing area. -
SP.3: Considers the wind conditions, water depth, hazards, surrounding terrain, and other watercraft. -
SP.4: Selects the most suitable approach path and touchdown area. -
SP.5: Establishes the recommended approach and landing configuration, airspeed/attitude, and adjusts pitch attitude and power as required. -
SP.6: Maintains a stabilized approach and the recommended approach airspeed, +10/–5 knots and/or attitude and maintains a touchdown pitch attitude and descent rate from the last altitude reference until touchdown. -
SP.7: Makes smooth, timely, and correct power and control adjustments to maintain proper pitch attitude and rate of descent to touchdown. -
SP.8: Contacts the water in the proper pitch attitude and slows to idle taxi speed. -
SP.9: Maintains crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing sequence.
Conclusion
-
Re-Motivation:
- Glassy Water Approach and Landing requires disciplined planning, stabilized energy management, and precise control from the approach through touchdown and rollout.
- Evaluating wind, runway conditions, obstacles, aircraft performance, and personal limitations helps pilots recognize when an approach remains safe and when a timely go-around is required.
- Consistent airspeed control, runway alignment, traffic scanning, communication, and checklist discipline integrate aircraft handling with sound operational judgment.
- Continued practice with Glassy Water Approach and Landing prepares sport pilots for changing conditions and increasingly demanding landing scenarios in later training.
-
Closure:
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.