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
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Schedule
Topic:Time:Part 1, Introduce the lesson: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
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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.
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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
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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.
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Optional Materials:
- Personal Weather Minimums Worksheet.
- Instructor endorsement log.
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Reference Materials:
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.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of Glassy Water Approach and Landing.
- Part 2, Glassy Water Approach and Landing:
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of collision hazards.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of low altitude maneuvering, including stall, spin and controlled flight into terrain risks.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of distractions, task prioritization, situational awareness, and disorientation.
- Elicit prior knowledge, then establish the operational relevance of runway incursion risks.
- Part 3, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Risk Management:
- Assess false-depth perception, unsuitable landing area, wind, obstacle, descent-rate, touchdown-attitude, collision, and go-around risks; require shoreline references and a stabilized glassy-water profile.
- Required teaching coverage:
- Assess whether the learner exhibits knowledge of the elements related to glassy water approach and landing. (SP.1)
- Demonstrate and coach area survey, approach-path and touchdown-area selection, stabilized configuration and descent, fixed touchdown attitude and descent from the last reliable height reference, smooth power and control corrections, correct water contact and deceleration, and wind and directional control. (SP.2) (SP.3) (SP.4) (SP.5) (SP.6) (SP.7) (SP.8) (SP.9)
- Part 4, Glassy Water Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):
- Use an unfamiliar glassy-water landing area to require reconnaissance, landing-path selection, stabilized power-and-attitude control, touchdown preparation, and a go-around when conditions or references are inadequate.
- Part 5, Conclude Lesson:
- Relate lesson to power-on stalls.
- Tie lesson back to previous lessons to reinforce past experiences (law of readiness).
- Present the remotivation, conclude, and provide guidance for follow-on lessons.
- Review student actions required ahead of the next lesson.
- Update the instructor log and student progress. Select the student and sign off completed objectives. If the student does not have a connected account, record the update manually in the instructor log and student training record.
Guided Scenario(s)
- Present a realistic glassy water approach and landing scenario and have the learner identify hazards, make appropriate decisions, and explain the proposed course of action.
- 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
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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
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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.
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Closure:
- Advise students that this lesson will be used as a starting point for the next lesson.
- Assign study materials for the next lesson.