Sport Pilot (Airplane) Short Field Confined Area Approach & Landing Lesson Plan
Sport Pilot (Airplane) • PTS Area IV, Task F
The Sport Pilot (Airplane) Short-Field (Confined Area—Ases) 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, Short-Field Approach and Landing:0:10Part 3, Short-Field Approach and Landing Risk Management:0:15Part 4, Short-Field 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:
- 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
- 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
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
- Review the maneuver's common errors and assess the learner's understanding of their mitigations.
- Review Short-Field Approach & Landing common errors and mitigations.
- Use the guidance appropriate to the aircraft and visual or instrument flight conditions.
- 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 Short-Field Approach and Landing.
- Part 2, Short-Field Approach and Landing:
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply short-field approach and landing.
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply short-field approach and landing procedures.
- Use guided questioning to have the learner explain and apply short-field approach and landing common errors.
- Part 3, Short-Field Approach and Landing Risk Management:
- Assess obstacle, runway or landing-area length, wind, surface, performance, approach-stability, touchdown-point, braking, collision, and go-around risks; require conservative margins and an escape plan.
- Required teaching coverage:
- Demonstrate and coach ASES landing-area survey; touchdown-point and path selection; stabilized configuration, pitch, power, and speed; correct ASES water contact or ASEL minimum-control-speed touchdown; the 200-foot accuracy standard; crosswind and directional control; and the shortest safe aircraft-specific stopping technique. (SP.2) (SP.3) (SP.4) (SP.5) (SP.6) (SP.7) (SP.8) (SP.9) (SP.10)
- Part 4, Short-Field Approach and Landing Guided Scenario(s):
- Use a short or confined landing area with obstacles to require performance planning, stabilized speed and path control, touchdown-point discipline, stopping strategy, and a timely go-around.
- 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 short field confined area approach and landing scenario and have the learner identify hazards, make appropriate decisions, and explain the proposed course of action.
- Related scenarios:
Student Actions
- Review the maneuver's common errors and explain how to prevent and correct each applicable error.
- Review Short-Field Approach & Landing common errors and mitigations.
- Use the guidance appropriate to the aircraft and visual or instrument flight conditions.
- 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) Short Field Confined Area Approach & Landing Practical Test Standards
- Source: FAA-S-8081-29A, Section 1 - Sport Pilot Airplane.
- Task: SHORT-FIELD (CONFINED AREA—ASES) APPROACH AND LANDING (ASEL and ASES).
- References: FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23; AFM/POH.
- Objective: To determine that the applicant:
Objective Elements 10 PTS Elements
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SP.1: Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a short-field (Confined Area) approach and landing. -
SP.2: Adequately surveys the intended landing area. (ASES) -
SP.3: Considers the wind conditions, landing surface, obstructions, and selects the most suitable touchdown point. -
SP.4: Establishes the recommended approach and landing configuration and airspeed/attitude; adjusts pitch attitude and power as required. -
SP.5: Maintains a stabilized approach and the recommended approach airspeed/attitude, or in its absence not more than 1.3 V , +10/−5 knots. so -
SP.6: Selects the proper landing path, contacts the water at the minimum safe airspeed with the proper pitch attitude for the surface conditions. (ASES) -
SP.7: Touches down smoothly at minimum control airspeed. (ASEL) -
SP.8: Touches down at or within 200 feet beyond a specified point. -
SP.9: Maintains crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing sequence. -
SP.10: Applies brakes if equipped (ASEL), or elevator control (ASES) as necessary, to stop in the shortest distance consistent with safety.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Short Field Confined Area 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 Short Field Confined Area 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.