Sport Pilot (Airplane) Soft Field Approach & Landing Lesson Plan
Sport Pilot (Airplane) • PTS Area IV, Task D
The Sport Pilot (Airplane) Soft-Field 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, Introduction:0:05Part 2, Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing:0:10Part 3, Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing Risk Management:0:15Part 4, Soft/Rough 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:
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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:
- 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 Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing.
- Part 2, Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing:
- Part 3, Soft/Rough Field Approach and Landing Risk Management:
- Part 4, Soft/Rough Field 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)
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- Related scenarios:
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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) Soft Field Approach & Landing Practical Test Standards
- Source: FAA-S-8081-29A, Section 1 - Sport Pilot Airplane.
- Task: SOFT-FIELD APPROACH AND LANDING (ASEL).
- References: FAA-H-8083-3; AFM/POH.
- Objective: To determine that the applicant:
Objective Elements 7 PTS Elements
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SP.1: Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to a soft-field approach and landing. -
SP.2: Considers the wind conditions, landing surface, and obstructions, and selects the most suitable touchdown area. -
SP.3: Establishes the recommended approach and landing configuration, and airspeed/attitude; adjusts pitch attitude and power as required. -
SP.4: Maintains a stabilized approach and recommended airspeed, or in its absence, not more than 1.3 V , +10/−5 knots, and/or appropriate approach attitude. SO -
SP.5: Touches down softly. -
SP.6: Maintains crosswind correction and directional control throughout the approach and landing sequence. -
SP.7: Maintains proper position of the flight controls and sufficient speed to taxi on the soft surface.
Conclusion
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Re-Motivation:
- Soft Field 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 Soft Field 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.