Approach & Landing

Introduction:

WARNING:
All procedures are GENERALIZED.
Always fly per Pilot Operating Handbook procedures,
observing any relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Descent Planning, Briefing, and Descent Flow/Checklist:

  • Descent planning sets the pilot up for success and occurs long before the descent by gathering any relevant information or documents prior to landing
  • Descent briefing enables the pilot to prepare for landing to mitigate one of the most dangerous phases of flight
  • Finally, the descent flow/cehcklist is performed to ensure the aircraft is configured appropriately for the type of landing to be performed

  • Descent Planning:

    • Perform descent planning calculations, if desires, and if not already completed prior to flight
    • Gather relevant documents you want ready during the approach and immediately after landing:
      • Airport diagrams

  • Descent Briefing:

    • Review each step to be performed, to include but not limited to:
      • Frequencies needed and information required for radio calls (i.e. ATIS information, requests)
      • Type of landing to be performed
      • Key airspeeds to hit
      • Roll-out and runway exit plan
      • Taxi plan/request (pending ATC instructions)
      • Parking plan

  • Descent/Flow Checklist:

    • Check mixture is full rich
    • Turn on fuel pump
    • Put on shoulder harnesses
    • This should include a quick briefing of the airport (i.e., runway vs. taxiway orientation to avoid a wrong surface landing) where and approach and landing procedure being conducted

Initial Contact:

  • Remember when flying an instrument approach, approach control may clear you for an approach, but tower clears you to land
  • To provide controlers with the information they need to clear you to land, pilots must declare their intentions
  • Intentions may be to conduct touch and goes, low approaches, or landing, and to where you will taxi to park

Normal Approach & Landing:

  • Margin Of Safety In Flight Phases
    Margin Of Safety In Flight Phases
  • Normal approaches and landings are the building blocks from which all other landings build
  • While this procedure is for normal landing, assuming the wind is blowing right down the runway, that will almost never be the case
  • Margin Of Safety In Flight Phases
    Margin Of Safety In Flight Phases

  • Normal Approach & Landing Procedure:

    WARNING:
    All procedures are GENERALIZED.
    Always fly per Pilot Operating Handbook procedures,
    observing any relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)


    1. Complete the Descent Flows/Checklists
      • This should include a quick briefing of the airport (i.e., runway vs. taxiway orientation to avoid a wrong surface landing) where and approach and landing procedure being conducted
      • Gather any documents you may want to have ready during the approach or immediately after landing
    2. Talk to tower as appropriate to the airspace you're operating within
      • Controlled: "[Tower], [Callsign], [Location], [Information], [Intentions]"
        • Example: "Palms tower, Cessna one seven two seven victor, fives miles to the west for touch and goes"
      • Uncontrolled: "[Facility Name], [Callsign], [Location], [Information], [Intentions], [Facility Name]"
        • Example: "Palms tower, Cessna one seven two seven victor, five miles to the west for touch and goes, palms tower"
    3. Abide by tower's instructions and plan to enter the traffic pattern at Traffic Pattern Altitude (TPA) on a 45° entry to the downwind, maintaining a one-half mile distance from the runway on the downwind leg
    4. Set power to establish and maintain traffic pattern speed
      • Trim as necessary
    5. Abeam the point of intended landing, reduce power , lower the lanidng gear, set the flaps , and begin a gentle descent and call
      • Keeping your hand on the landing gear until given the down and locked indication will prevent forgetting
      • Controlled: "[Tower], [Callsign] abeam, gear 3 down and locked, [Landing Type]"
        • ATC: "[Callsign], [Winds], cleared for [Runway], [Landing Type]"
        • ATC: Cessna 1727V, wind 130 at 5 knots, runway 12, cleared to land
      • Uncontrolled: None
      • Anticipate the balloon effect when lowering the flaps
      • Trim as necessary
    6. At the 45° point to the intended touchdown point, commence a turn to the base leg
      • ICS: "Cleared left, forward, clear right, turning [Left/Right]"
      • Controlled: None
      • Uncontrolled: "[Facility Name], [Callsign], turning base for [Runway], [Facility Name]"
      • The wind is now at your side, so depending on its strength, you will need to compensate for drift with a crab angle
    7. Set the flaps, then establish and maintain base leg airspeed
      • Anticipate the balloon effect when lowering the flaps
      • Trim as necessary
    8. Visually verify that the final approach (including the extended final and the opposite base leg) is clear, and turn final
      • ICS: "Cleared left, forward, clear right, turning [Left/Right]"
      • Controlled: None
      • Uncontrolled: "[Facility Name], [Callsign], turning base for [Runway], [Facility Name]"
      • Check your heading indicator against the runway heading to ensure you're lined up with the correct runway
      • Be mindful of wake turbulence considerations
        • That is look for larger, slow, heavy aircraft and offset your flight path higher & upwind)
        • ATC will generally include "caution wake turbulence" before giving winds when clearing an aircraft to land
    9. When landing is assured, set the flaps for landing and establish approach speed
      • Anticipate the balloon effect when lowering the flaps
      • Trim as necessary
    10. By 300' above landing, complete a GUMP check
      • GUMP Check:
        • Gas: Fuel Selector and Pumps - SET
        • Undercarriage: Gear - DOWN AND LOCKED (if applicable)
        • Mixture: Mixture - FULL FORWARD
        • Prop: Prop - FULL FORWARD (if applicable)
      • If the approach is stabilized, call out, "300 feet, stabilized, continuing"
      • If the approach is not stabilized, callout, "300 feet, not stabilized, going around," and execute a go-around
      • When descending beneath area obstructions like buildings, trees, or otherwise, be prepared for wind shifts
    11. Approaching the runway threshold, verify the runway number (heading) matches your clearance
      • You are checking to verify you are landing on the correct runway as this is your last opportunity to wave off
    12. As you cross the threshold, begin reducing power as necessary to "roundout" and trainsitiong to the flare, holding the airplane 1-2 feet off the surface in ground effect, now at idle, as long as possible (to gradually dissipate forward speed)
      • When within 10-20 feet, about the height of a hangar, begin the roundout
      • Don't focus on the runway but instead look long to flare
        • You will see the horizon flatten as if you're sitting on the ground
      • Avoid closing the throttle so rapidly that an immediate increase in the rate of descent leads to a hard landing
      • Touch down at minimum controllable airspeed with a power-off stall pitch attitude, on the main wheels first (minimum float), and with the throttle at the idle (closed) position
      • Hold the nose wheel off with back pressure throughout the rollout; allowing settling gently
    13. Increase aileron deflection into the wind if present or has shifted from expected
    14. Maintain directional control throughout the roll-out with the rudder, slowing sufficiently before turning on a taxiway
    15. Exit the runway without delay at the first available taxiway or on a taxiway as instructed by ATC
      • An aircraft is considered clear of the runway when all parts of the aircraft are past the runway edge and there are no restrictions to its continued movement beyond the runway holding position markings
    16. Proceed with taxi procedures
    17. Base Leg and Final Approach
      Airplane Flying Handbook, Base Leg and Final Approach

  • Normal Approach and Landing Common Errors:

    • Inadequate wind drift correction on the base leg
    • Overshooting or undershooting the turn onto final approach, resulting in too steep or too shallow a turn onto final approach
    • Flat or skidding turns from base leg to final approach as a result of overshooting/inadequate wind drift correction
    • Poor coordination during turn from base to final approach
    • Failure to complete the landing checklist in a timely manner
    • Un-stabilized approach
    • Failure to adequately compensate for flap extension
    • Poor trim technique on final approach
    • Attempting to maintain altitude or reach the runway using elevator alone
    • Focusing too close to the airplane resulting in too high a round out
    • Focusing too far from the airplane resulting in too low a round out
    • Touching down prior to attaining proper landing attitude
    • Failure to hold sufficient back-elevator pressure after touchdown
    • Excessive braking after touchdown

  • Normal Takeoff and Climb Airman Certification Standards:

    • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a normal approach and landing with emphasis on proper use of flight controls
    • Note: If a crosswind condition does not exist, the applicant's knowledge of crosswind elements must be evaluated through oral testing
    • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23; POH/AFM; AIM

    Normal Approach and Landing Knowledge:

    The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

    Normal Approach and Landing Risk Management:

    The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:
    • PA.IV.B.R1:
      Selection of runway or approach path and touchdown area based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind
    • PA.IV.B.R2:
      Effects of:
    • PA.IV.B.R3:
      Planning for:
    • PA.IV.B.R4:
      Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, wires, vehicles, vessels, persons, and wildlife
    • PA.IV.B.R5:
      Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT
    • PA.IV.B.R6:
      Distractions, loss of situational awareness, incorrect airport surface approach and landing, or improper task management

    Normal Approach and Landing Skills:

    The applicant demonstrates the ability to:
    • PA.IV.B.S1:
      Complete the appropriate checklist
    • PA.IV.B.S2:
      Make radio calls as appropriate
    • PA.IV.B.S3:
      Ensure the airplane is aligned with the correct/assigned runway or landing surface
    • PA.IV.B.S4:
      Scan runway or landing surface and the adjoining area for traffic and obstructions
    • PA.IV.B.S5:
      Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind, landing surface, and obstructions
    • PA.IV.B.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.B.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.B.S8:
      Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing
    • PA.IV.B.S9:
      Make smooth, timely, and correct control application during round out and touchdown
    • PA.IV.B.S10:
      Touch down at a proper pitch attitude, within 400 feet beyond or on the specified point, with no side drift, and with the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway center/landing path
    • PA.IV.B.S11:
      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.B.S12:
      Utilize runway incursion avoidance procedures

Crosswind Approach and Landing:

  • Crosswind Component Chart
    Crosswind Component Chart
  • Heading Indicator Crosswind Rule-of-Thumb
    Heading Indicator Crosswind Rule-of-Thumb
  • Heading Indicator Crosswind Rule-of-Thumb
    Light Aircraft Association - Crosswind Calculations Made Easy
  • The goal of a crosswind landing is to safely and accurately establish and maintain a stabilized approach to landing, correcting for a crosswind during the approach, touchdown, and roll out
  • Heading Indicator Crosswind Rule-of-Thumb
    Light Aircraft Association - Crosswind Calculations Made Easy

  • Determining Crosswind Component:

    • Crosswinds can be determined through a number of methods which each serve a purpose, depending on the phase of flight
    • When calculating the crosswind always use the full gust component meaning, calculate crosswind as a "worst case" scenario

    • Chart Method:

      • Crosswind charts can be found in nearly every POH/PIM but are not aircraft specific, so any will do
      • Using the example provided in [Figure 1], plot your point using the number of degrees off the runway heading, at with the full gust component as strength
        • Lets say we're going to land at runway 360 and the wind is coming from 020 at 20 knots
        • We'll plot the wind strength at the 20° radial line (representing 20° off the runway) on the 20° point (representing the wind strength)
        • From that point we plotted we can move straight left for the headwind component: roughly 19 knots
        • We can also move straight down for the crosswind component: roughly 6 knots

    • Heading Indicator Rule of Thumb:

      • Find the reported wind direction on the outside of the DI (shown as a large blue arrow). You now have the first piece of information; the wind is from the right [Figure 2/3]
      • Mentally drop a vertical line down from the wind direction on the outside of the DI to the horizontal centerline (shown in blue)
      • The horizontal center line (red) represents the crosswind axis so visually scale-off the crosswind component as a proportion of the length of the crosswind axis, ie, the wind speed
        • Using our example this means our crosswind component is just less than 20 knots (mathematically the answer is 19 knots)

    • Sixths Rules of Thumb:

      • If angle = 10 deg then crosswind component = 1/6 wind strength
      • If angle = 20 deg then crosswind component = 2/6 (1/3) wind strength
      • If angle = 30 deg then crosswind component = 3/6 (1/2) wind strength
      • If angle = 40 deg then crosswind component = 4/6 (2/3) wind strength
      • If angle = 50 deg then crosswind component = 5/6 wind strength
      • If angle = 60+ deg then crosswind component = wind strength

    • Additional Methods:

      • Additional methods of calculating crosswind component exist however, they may not be as prudent for use during approach and landing as they would for other phases of flight, such as takeoff
      • They include:

  • Crosswind Compensation Techniques:

    • Slip:

      • A slip is a cross-control procedure where you are using "wing-low, top-rudder" to track the aircraft straight for the purposes of altitude loss (forward-slip) or crosswind compensation (side-slip)
        • In doing this, you will need to lower the nose as the increase in drag without an increase in thrust will cause a rapid loss of airspeed risking a stall
        • Simply stated, the higher the angle of bank, the lower the nose must be
        • A forward-slip, discussed above, allows pilots to increase the aircraft's rate of descent without increasing airspeed in the process
        • A side-slip, however, allows pilots to compensate for a crosswind on final approach
      • Side-slip:
        • Airplane Flying Handbook, Figure 8-16. Side-slip Approach
          Airplane Flying Handbook, Side-slip Approach
        • A side-slip is used to compensate for a crosswind on final approach
        • First you apply aileron into the wind to compensate for the crosswind blowing you off centerline
        • Next you use the rudder to maintain alignment with the runway centerline
          • Think: "point your nose with your toes"
        • The horizontal component of lift forces the airplane to move sideways toward the low wing
        • The aircraft's rudder is used to align to center while the wings are dripped (toward the wind) to maintain track (drift)
        • Held all the way to touchdown, this will result in the low side wheel touching down first, followed by the high wheel, and lastly the nose/tail wheel
        • Note that when performing a slip, the Pilot Operating Handbook may impose certain restrictions such as:
          • Avoiding slips with full flaps
          • Avoiding slips for prolonged periods of time which may result in fuel ports becoming uncovered
          • Airspeed indications may vary due to static ports receiving direct wind
            • If your static port is located on the left side of the fuselage, a slip using right rudder will cause the perceived static pressure to be higher than actual as ram air is forced into the static port, resulting in your indicated airspeed being less than actual. Therefore, it would normally be advisable to maintain an airspeed comfortably within the middle range of the white arc (flap operating range) to avoid being either too close to a cross-control stall or a flap over-speed condition
        • Ensure to check POH for side-slip limitations as some aircraft do not allow them with full flaps
        • Airplane Flying Handbook, Figure 8-16. Side-slip Approach
          Airplane Flying Handbook, Side-slip Approach

    • Crab:

      • Airplane Flying Handbook, Crabbed Approach
      • Coordinated flight whereby you are pointing the nose of the aircraft upwind enough to keep the airplane's ground track straight
      • The angle by which the aircraft is flying relative to the runway is considered the crosswind correction
      • It is most preferable, in general aviation, to fly a crab and transition to a slip for landing to avoid side-loading the landing gear
      • At some point during the final approach, a transition from crab to sideslip for the landing flare and touchdown should be made
      • Airplane Flying Handbook, Crabbed Approach

  • Gust Factor:

    • On all approaches, but especially crosswind approaches, you'll want to determine the gust factor
    • Gust factors are agnostic to the wind direction
    • To calculate, take your gusts and subtract them from the sustained wind
      • If your wind is 10 knots and the gusts are to 20 then we can subtract 20 from 10 to get 10 as our gust factor
    • On approach we'll want to add half of the gust factor to our approach speed in order to create a margin of safety within a gusty environment

  • Crosswind Control Mechanics:

    • The aircraft will want to weathervane, pointing into the wind
      • The rudder is necessary to maintain directional control
    • As speed decreases, the control surfaces become more less effective as you transition from flying to a taxi, thereby requiring less input to achieve the same effect, leading to decreasing control inputs as you accelerate
      • The crosswind effect will never completely disappear, meaning that some input will remain
    • If, when taking out your inputs, the upwind wing is allowed to rise, it will expose more surface to the crosswind, and a side-skipping action may result
      • This side-skipping imposes severe side stresses on the landing gear and could result in structural failure
    • As both main wheels contact the runway and ground friction resists drifting

  • Crosswind Approach & Landing Procedure:


    1. Airplane Flying Handbook, Crosswind Approach and Landing
    2. Complete the Descent Flows/Checklists
      • This should include a quick briefing of the airport (i.e., runway vs. taxiway orientation to avoid a wrong surface landing) where and approach and landing procedure being conducted
      • Gather any documents you may want to have ready during the approach or immediately after landing
    3. Talk to tower as appropriate to the airspace you're operating within
      • Controlled: "[Tower], [Callsign], [Location], [Information], [Intentions]"
        • Example: "Palms tower, Cessna one seven two seven victor, fives miles to the west for touch and goes"
      • Uncontrolled: "[Facility Name], [Callsign], [Location], [Information], [Intentions], [Facility Name]"
        • Example: "Palms tower, Cessna one seven two seven victor, five miles to the west for touch and goes, palms tower"
      • Abide by tower's instructions and plan to enter the traffic pattern at Traffic Pattern Altitude (TPA) on a 45° entry to the downwind, maintaining a one-half mile distance from the runway on the downwind leg
    4. Set power to establish and maintain traffic pattern speed
      • Trim as necessary
    5. Abeam the point of intended landing, reduce power , set the flaps , lower the landing gear, and begin a gentle descent and call
      • Keeping your hand on the landing gear until given the down and locked indication will prevent forgetting
      • Controlled: "[Tower], [Callsign] abeam, gear 3 down and locked, [Landing Type]"
        • ATC: "[Callsign], [Winds], cleared for [Runway], [Landing Type]"
      • Uncontrolled: None
      • Anticipate the balloon effect when lowering the flaps
      • Trim as necessary
    6. At the 45° point to the intended touchdown point (or as appropriate for wind conditions), commence a turn to the base leg
      • ICS: "Cleared left, forward, clear right, turning [Left/Right]"
      • Controlled: None
      • Uncontrolled: "[Facility Name], [Callsign], turning base for [Runway], [Facility Name]"
      • The wind is now at your side, so depending on its strength, you will need to compensate for drift with a crab angle
    7. Set the flaps, then establish and maintain base leg airspeed
      • Anticipate the balloon effect when lowering the flaps
      • Trim as necessary
    8. Visually verify that the final approach (including the extended final and the opposite base leg) is clear, and turn final
      • ICS: "Cleared left, forward, clear right, turning [Left/Right]"
      • Controlled: None
      • Uncontrolled: "[Facility Name], [Callsign], turning base for [Runway], [Facility Name]"
      • Check your heading indicator against the runway heading to ensure you're lined up with the correct runway
      • Be mindful of wake turbulence considerations
        • That is look for larger, slow, heavy aircraft and offset your flight path higher & upwind)
    9. When landing is assured, set the flaps for landing and establish approach speed (+1/2 gust factor, if applicable)
      • Anticipate the balloon effect when lowering the flaps
      • Trim as necessary
    10. Transition from a crab to a slip
    11. By 300' above landing, complete a GUMP check
      • GUMP Check:
        • Gas: Fuel Selector and Pumps - SET
        • Undercarriage: Gear - DOWN AND LOCKED (if applicable)
        • Mixture: Mixture - FULL FORWARD
        • Prop: Prop - FULL FORWARD (if applicable)
      • If the approach is stabilized, call out, "300 feet, stabilized, continuing"
      • If the approach is not stabilized, callout, "300 feet, not stabilized, going around," and execute a go-around
      • When descending beneath area obstructions like buildings, trees, or otherwise, be prepared for wind shifts
    12. Approaching the runway threshold, verify the runway number (heading) matches your clearance
      • You are checking to verify you are landing on the correct runway as this is your last opportunity to wave off
    13. As you cross the threshold, begin reducing power as necessary to "roundout" and trainsitiong to the flare, holding the airplane 1-2 feet off the surface in ground effect, now at idle, as long as possible (to gradually dissipate forward speed)
      • When within 10-20 feet, about the height of a hangar, begin the roundout
      • Don't focus on the runway but instead look long to flare
        • You will see the horizon flatten as if you're sitting on the ground
      • Avoid closing the throttle so rapidly that an immediate increase in the rate of descent leads to a hard landing
      • Touch down at minimum controllable airspeed with a power-off stall pitch attitude, on the main wheels first (minimum float), and with the throttle at the idle (closed) position
      • Hold the nose wheel off with back pressure throughout the rollout; allowing settling gently
    14. Once the aircraft touches down, it will tend to find centerline on its own; you need to be judicious with your inputs to avoid any induced oscillations
    15. Subsequent runway centerline tracking requires only small rudder inputs to initiate directional corrections
    16. Increase aileron deflection into the wind as you decelerate, due to less airflow decreasing aileron effectiveness
    17. Maintain directional control throughout the roll-out with the rudder, slowing sufficiently before turning on a taxiway
      • Remember to maintain taxi control inputs for winds
    18. Exit the runway without delay at the first available taxiway or on a taxiway as instructed by ATC
      • An aircraft is considered clear of the runway when all parts of the aircraft are past the runway edge and there are no restrictions to its continued movement beyond the runway holding position markings
    19. Proceed with taxi procedures
    20. Airplane Flying Handbook, Crosswind Approach and Landing

  • Crosswind Approach and Landing Common Errors:

    • Attempting to land in crosswinds that exceed the airplane's maximum demonstrated crosswind component
    • Inadequate compensation for wind drift on the turn from base leg to final approach, resulting in under or shooting
    • Flat or skidding turns from base leg to final approach as a result of overshooting/inadequate wind drift correction
    • Poor coordination during turn from base to final approach
    • Failure to complete the landing checklist in a timely manner
    • Un-stabilized approach
    • Inadequate compensation for wind drift on final approach
    • Maintaining too much speed on final to compensate for winds
    • Failure to adequately compensate for flap extension
    • Poor trim technique on final approach
    • Failure to compensate for increased drag during side-slip, resulting in excessive sink rate and/or too low an airspeed
    • Attempting to maintain altitude or reach the runway using elevator alone
    • Focusing too close to the airplane resulting in too high a round out
    • Focusing too far from the airplane resulting in too low a round out
    • Touching down prior to attaining proper landing attitude
    • Failure to apply appropriate flight control inputs during roll-out, causing the aircraft to drift, weathervane, or lean
    • Failure to maintain directional control on roll-out
    • Touchdown while drifting
    • Excessive airspeed on touchdown, resulting in late touchdown
    • Excessive braking after touchdown
    • Slip:
      • Failure to reduce power to idle
      • Failure to add or increase flaps when available
      • Failure to apply and maintain full rudder deflection
      • Failure to use appropriate rudder/aileron combination during a crosswind situation
      • Failure to reduce pitch to maintain proper safe gliding airspeed

Short-Field Approach and Landing:

  • 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

  • Short-Field Approach & Landing Procedure:


    1. Complete the Descent Flows/Checklists
      • This should include a quick briefing of the airport (i.e., runway vs. taxiway orientation to avoid a wrong surface landing) where and approach and landing procedure being conducted
      • Gather any documents you may want to have ready during the approach or immediately after landing
    2. Talk to tower as appropriate to the airspace you're operating within
      • Controlled: "[Tower], [Callsign], [Location], [Information], [Intentions]"
        • Example: "Palms tower, Cessna one seven two seven victor, fives miles to the west for touch and goes"
      • Uncontrolled: "[Facility Name], [Callsign], [Location], [Information], [Intentions], [Facility Name]"
        • Example: "Palms tower, Cessna one seven two seven victor, five miles to the west for touch and goes, palms tower"
      • Abide by tower's instructions and plan to enter the traffic pattern at Traffic Pattern Altitude (TPA) on a 45° entry to the downwind, maintaining a one-half mile distance from the runway on the downwind leg
    3. Set power to establish and maintain traffic pattern speed
      • Trim as necessary
    4. Abeam the point of intended landing, reduce power , lower the landing gear, set the flaps , begin a gentle descent and call
      • Keeping your hand on the landing gear until given the down and locked indication will prevent forgetting
      • Controlled: "[Tower], [Callsign] abeam, gear 3 down and locked, [Landing Type]"
        • ATC: "[Callsign], [Winds], cleared for [Runway], [Landing Type]"
      • Uncontrolled: None
      • Anticipate the balloon effect when lowering the flaps
      • Trim as necessary
    5. At the 45° point to the intended touchdown point (or as appropriate for wind conditions), commence a turn to the base leg
      • ICS: "Cleared left, forward, clear right, turning [Left/Right]"
      • Controlled: None
      • Uncontrolled: "[Facility Name], [Callsign], turning base for [Runway], [Facility Name]"
      • The wind is now at your side, so depending on its strength, you will need to compensate for drift with a crab angle
    6. Set the flaps, then establish and maintain base leg airspeed
      • Anticipate the balloon effect when lowering the flaps
      • Trim as necessary
    7. Visually verify that the final approach (including the extended final and the opposite base leg) is clear, and turn final
      • ICS: "Cleared left, forward, clear right, turning [Left/Right]"
      • Controlled: None
      • Uncontrolled: "[Facility Name], [Callsign], turning base for [Runway], [Facility Name]"
      • Check your heading indicator against the runway heading to ensure you're lined up with the correct runway
      • Be mindful of wake turbulence considerations
        • That is look for larger, slow, heavy aircraft and offset your flight path higher & upwind)
    8. When landing is assured, set the flaps for landing and establish approach speed (+1/2 gust factor, if applicable)
      • Anticipate the balloon effect when lowering the flaps
      • Trim as necessary
    9. Transition from a crab to a slip
    10. By 300' above landing, complete a GUMP check
      • GUMP Check:
        • Gas: Fuel Selector and Pumps - SET
        • Undercarriage: Gear - DOWN AND LOCKED (if applicable)
        • Mixture: Mixture - FULL FORWARD
        • Prop: Prop - FULL FORWARD (if applicable)
      • If the approach is stabilized, call out, "300 feet, stabilized, continuing"
      • If the approach is not stabilized, callout, "300 feet, not stabilized, going around," and execute a go-around
      • When descending beneath area obstructions like buildings, trees, or otherwise, be prepared for wind shifts
    11. Approaching the runway threshold, verify the runway number (heading) matches your clearance
      • You are checking to verify you are landing on the correct runway as this is your last opportunity to wave off
    12. As you cross the threshold, begin reducing power as necessary to "roundout" and trainsitiong to the flare, holding the airplane 1-2 feet off the surface in ground effect, now at idle, as long as possible (to gradually dissipate forward speed)
      • When within 10-20 feet, about the height of a hangar, begin the roundout
      • Don't focus on the runway but instead look long to flare
        • You will see the horizon flatten as if you're sitting on the ground
      • Avoid closing the throttle so rapidly that an immediate increase in the rate of descent leads to a hard landing
      • Touch down at minimum controllable airspeed with a power-off stall pitch attitude, on the main wheels first (minimum float), and with the throttle at the idle (closed) position
      • Hold the nose wheel off with back pressure throughout the rollout; allowing settling gently
    13. Increase aileron deflection into the wind if present or has shifted from expected
    14. Increase "up" elevator to increase braking effectiveness
    15. At nose wheel touch down:
      • Callout, "flaps up, max braking"
      • Retract the flaps to the up (0°) position (for maximum braking effectiveness)
      • Hold the control wheel full back, and
      • Apply braking as necessary to stop within the shortest distance possible, consistent with safety and controllability
    16. Maintain directional control throughout the roll-out with the rudder, slowing sufficiently before turning on a taxiway
      • Reference board speeds: you should be traveling no faster than twice the distance remaining
      • Example: at the 3 board, you should be traveling no more than 60 knots
    17. If required, raise the flaps to decrease lift over the wings and therefore increase weight on the brakes
    18. Exit the runway without delay at the first available taxiway or on a taxiway as instructed by ATC
      • An aircraft is considered clear of the runway when all parts of the aircraft are past the runway edge and there are no restrictions to its continued movement beyond the runway holding position markings
    19. Proceed with taxi procedures
    20. Base Leg and Final Approach
      Airplane Flying Handbook, Base Leg and Final Approach

  • Short-Field Approach & Landing Common Errors:

    • Inadequate wind drift correction on the base leg
    • Overshooting or undershooting the turn onto final approach, resulting in too steep or too shallow a turn onto final approach
    • Flat or skidding turns from base leg to final approach as a result of overshooting/inadequate wind drift correction
    • Poor coordination during turn from base to final approach
    • Failure to complete the landing checklist in a timely manner
    • Un-stabilized approach
    • Failure to adequately compensate for flap extension
    • Poor trim technique on final approach
    • Attempting to maintain altitude or reach the runway using elevator alone
    • Focusing too close to the airplane resulting in too high a round out
    • Focusing too far from the airplane resulting in too low a round out
    • Touching down prior to attaining proper landing attitude
    • Failure to hold sufficient back-elevator pressure after touchdown
    • Excessive braking after touchdown

Soft/Rough-Field Approach & Landing:

  • 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

  • Soft/Rough-Field Approach & Landing Procedure:

    WARNING:
    All procedures are GENERALIZED.
    Always fly per Pilot Operating Handbook procedures,
    observing any relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)


    1. Complete the Descent Flows/Checklists
      • This should include a quick briefing of the airport (i.e., runway vs. taxiway orientation to avoid a wrong surface landing) where and approach and landing procedure being conducted
      • Gather any documents you may want to have ready during the approach or immediately after landing
    2. Talk to tower as appropriate to the airspace you're operating within
      • Controlled: "[Tower], [Callsign], [Location], [Information], [Intentions]"
        • Example: "Palms tower, Cessna one seven two seven victor, fives miles to the west for touch and goes"
      • Uncontrolled: "[Facility Name], [Callsign], [Location], [Information], [Intentions], [Facility Name]"
        • Example: "Palms tower, Cessna one seven two seven victor, five miles to the west for touch and goes, palms tower"
      • Abide by tower's instructions and plan to enter the traffic pattern at Traffic Pattern Altitude (TPA) on a 45° entry to the downwind, maintaining a one-half mile distance from the runway on the downwind leg
    3. Set power to establish and maintain traffic pattern speed
      • Trim as necessary
    4. Abeam the point of intended landing, reduce power , lower the landing gear, set the flaps , and begin a gentle descent and call
      • Keeping your hand on the landing gear until given the down and locked indication will prevent forgetting
      • Controlled: "[Tower], [Callsign] abeam, gear 3 down and locked, [Landing Type]"
        • ATC: "[Callsign], [Winds], cleared for [Runway], [Landing Type]"
      • Uncontrolled: None
      • Anticipate the balloon effect when lowering the flaps
      • Trim as necessary
    5. At the 45° point to the intended touchdown point (or as appropriate for wind conditions), commence a turn to the base leg
      • ICS: "Cleared left, forward, clear right, turning [Left/Right]"
      • Controlled: None
      • Uncontrolled: "[Facility Name], [Callsign], turning base for [Runway], [Facility Name]"
      • The wind is now at your side, so depending on its strength, you will need to compensate for drift with a crab angle
    6. Set the flaps, then establish and maintain base leg airspeed
      • Anticipate the balloon effect when lowering the flaps
      • Trim as necessary
    7. Visually verify that the final approach (including the extended final and the opposite base leg) is clear, and turn final
      • ICS: "Cleared left, forward, clear right, turning [Left/Right]"
      • Controlled: None
      • Uncontrolled: "[Facility Name], [Callsign], turning base for [Runway], [Facility Name]"
      • Check your heading indicator against the runway heading to ensure you're lined up with the correct runway
      • Be mindful of wake turbulence considerations
        • That is look for larger, slow, heavy aircraft and offset your flight path higher & upwind)
    8. When landing is assured, set the flaps for landing and establish approach speed (+1/2 gust factor, if applicable)
      • Anticipate the balloon effect when lowering the flaps
      • Trim as necessary
    9. Transition from a crab to a slip
    10. By 300' above landing, complete a GUMP check
      • GUMP Check:
        • Gas: Fuel Selector and Pumps - SET
        • Undercarriage: Gear - DOWN AND LOCKED (if applicable)
        • Mixture: Mixture - FULL FORWARD
        • Prop: Prop - FULL FORWARD (if applicable)
      • If the approach is stabilized, call out, "300 feet, stabilized, continuing"
      • If the approach is not stabilized, callout, "300 feet, not stabilized, going around," and execute a go-around
      • When descending beneath area obstructions like buildings, trees, or otherwise, be prepared for wind shifts
    11. Approaching the runway threshold, verify the runway number (heading) matches your clearance
      • You are checking to verify you are landing on the correct runway as this is your last opportunity to wave off
    12. As you cross the threshold, begin reducing power as necessary to "roundout" and trainsitiong to the flare, holding the airplane 1-2 feet off the surface in ground effect, now at idle, as long as possible (to gradually dissipate forward speed)
      • Use power throughout the level-off and touchdown to ensure touching down at the slowest possible speed
      • When within 10-20 feet, about the height of a hangar, begin the roundout
      • Don't focus on the runway but instead look long to flare
        • You will see the horizon flatten as if you're sitting on the ground
      • Avoid closing the throttle so rapidly that an immediate increase in the rate of descent leads to a hard landing
      • Touch down at minimum controllable airspeed with a power-off stall pitch attitude, on the main wheels first (minimum float), and with the throttle at the idle (closed) position
      • Hold the nose wheel off with back pressure throughout the rollout; allowing settling gently
    13. Touch down on the main wheels first, holding the nose wheel off with back pressure throughout the rollout; allow settling gently
      • Use power and control wheel back pressure (elevator deflection) to control the rate at which the airplane's weight is transferred to the main wheels
    14. Maintain directional control throughout the rollout, slowing sufficiently before turning onto a taxiway
      • Conduct all taxi operations with the control wheel fully aft
      • On softer surfaces, additional power may be needed to maintain taxi speed and to avoid becoming stuck
      • Avoid the use of breaks to prevent imposing a heavy load on the nose gear, causing the nose gear to "dig" into the soft surface

  • Soft/Rough-Field Approach & Landing Common Errors:

    • Failure to review AFM/POH and performance charts prior to takeoff
    • Failure to adequately clear the area
    • Insufficient back-elevator pressure during initial takeoff roll resulting in inadequate AOA
    • Failure to cross-check engine instruments for indications of proper operation after applying power
    • Poor directional control
    • Climbing too high after lift-off and not levelng off low enough to maintain ground effect attitude
    • Abrupt and/or excessive elevator control while attempting to level off and accelerate after liftoff
    • Allowing the airplane to "mush" or settle resulting in an inadvertant touchdown after lift-off
    • Attempting to climb our of ground effect area before attaining sufficient climb speed
    • Failure to anticipate an increase in pitch attitude as the airplane climbs our of ground effect

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

    • 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

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

    The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

    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

Confined Area Approach and Landing:

  • More austere and even urban airport environments require obstacle negotiation

  • Confined Area Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES) Airman Certification Standards:

    • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a confined area approach and landing
    • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23; POH/AFM; AIM

    Confined Area Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES) Knowledge:

    The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

    Confined Area Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES) Risk Management:

    The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:
    • PA.IV.H.R1:
      Selection of approach path and touchdown area based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind
    • PA.IV.H.R2:
      Effects of:
    • PA.IV.H.R3:
      Planning for a go-around and rejected landing
    • PA.IV.H.R4:
      Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, wires, vehicles, persons, and wildlife
    • PA.IV.H.R5:
      Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT
    • PA.IV.H.R6:
      Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management

    Confined Area Approach and Landing (ASES, AMES) Skills:

    The applicant demonstrates the ability to:
    • PA.IV.H.S1:
      Complete the appropriate checklist
    • PA.IV.H.S2:
      Make radio calls as appropriate
    • PA.IV.H.S3:
      Ensure the airplane is aligned for an approach to the correct/assigned landing surface
    • PA.IV.H.S4:
      Scan the landing area for traffic and obstructions
    • PA.IV.H.S5:
      Select and aim for a suitable touchdown point considering the wind, landing surface, and obstructions
    • PA.IV.H.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.H.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.H.S8:
      Maintain directional control and appropriate crosswind correction throughout the approach and landing, as required
    • PA.IV.H.S9:
      Make smooth, timely, and correct control application during the round out and touchdown
    • PA.IV.H.S10:
      Contact the water at the recommended airspeed with a proper pitch attitude for the surface conditions
    • PA.IV.H.S11:
      Touch down at a proper pitch attitude, within 200 feet beyond or on the specified point, with no side drift, minimum float, and with the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with the projected landing path
    • PA.IV.H.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.H.S13:
      Apply elevator control as necessary to stop in the shortest distance consistent with safety

Stabilized Approaches:

  • A good landing starts with a stabilized approach
  • The definition of a stabilized approach may vary by viewpoint, but its essentially on or trending in a controlled manner to hit your numbers, in the appropriate configuration on final
    • In essence, a stabilized approach results from proper energy management
      • If carrying too much energy into the flare, it is easy to balloon and land far
      • If carrying too little, it is possible to land short or stall
  • Approach speed is not a static number and must be calculated
    • First, start with applicable charts in the pilot operating handbook
    • In gusty wind conditions, consider adding half of the gust factor (i.e., if gusts to 20, add 10 knots)
  • A commonly referenced optimum glidepath follows a 3:1 principle or descent ratio
    • This means that for every 3 nautical miles (nm) flown over the ground, the aircraft should descend 1,000 feet, simulating a 3-degree glideslope
    • According to the FAA Safety Team, the probability of being unstable can double as you increasingly fly above a "3:1" flight path profile
  • In some instances, this will be with the aid of a visual glide slope indicator, while other times are flown with a good sight picture from experience
  • Lateral alignment, that is, how far left or right from runway centerline, is relatively easy to judge
  • Vertical placement on the approach, often called slope, can be harder to judge
    • When assessed high, pilots must increase their descent by reducing power and pitching down to maintain airspeed
      • When approaching glide slope, simultaneously increasing power and pitching up to maintain airspeed reestablishes a pilot on glide slope
    • When assessed low, pilots must decrease their descent by adding power and pitching up to maintain approach speed
      • When approaching glipde slope, simultaneously reducing power and pitching down to maintain airspeed restablishes a pilot on glide slope
  • Realize that power and pitch changes to intercept the appropriate glide slope must be anticipated to avoid creating the opposite situation (low to high, high to low)
    • The closer to the runway, the mroe sensitive these corrections will be
    • As such, it is best to make large corrections early so only small corrections are necessecary approaching the runway
  • If low and fast, increasing the pitch may be sufficient to climb back onto glideslope and slow to approach speed
    • The reverse is true if high and fast
  • In general, maneuvers on final (such as S-Turns for spacing) are not recommended when low and slow (go arounds are free!)

  • Tips for Staying Stable on Final:

    • The FAA Safety Team has some recommendations to stay stable on final:
      • If it's not right, GO-AROUND! Execute a timely go-around decision when a stabilized approach cannot be made, or for any other condition that may result in an unsafe approach or landing
      • The further from the runway that you establish a "3:1" flight path profile, the greater your probability of successfully flying a stable approach
        • NOTE: Every runway is unique and the published glidepath should be flown when available
        • A method to estimate the appropriate descent rate in feet/minute to maintain a 3-degree glidepath is to multiply the groundspeed in knots by 5
      • When available, use a visual approach system such as a VASI or PAPI, or precision instrument approach to help maintain glidepath
      • Increase your knowledge on stabilized approaches:
        • The GAJSC website (www.gajsc.org/loss-of-control)
        • AC 91-79A (www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars)
    • To help you stay on a 3:1 glidepath, estimate your descent rate by multiplying your groundspeed in knots by five (e.g., 90 knots x 5 = 450 feet per minute descent rate)
      • Or halve your airspeed and add a zero at the end (e.g., 100 knots / 2 (+ 0) = 500)
    • To determine your appropriate altitude for a 3-degree approach on final, multiply your distance from the runway by three, add two zeroes, and add the touchdown zone elevation
      • For example, if you're three miles out with a touchdown zone elevation of 100 feet, your calculation would be: 3 (miles) x 3 = 900 + 100 = 1,000 feet)
      • This will help you cross the runway threshold at 50 feet and hold your aiming point for the flare
      • You can also use a visual approach system such as a VASI or PAPI, or a precision instrument approach to help maintain a proper glidepath.
  • If you get distracted, miss a checklist, or just feel rushed, go around
    • Don't attempt to fix problems with the runway fast approaching, that is how mistakes are made

Forward-Slip to Landing:

  • A slip is a cross-control procedure where you are using "wing-low, top-rudder" to track the aircraft straight for altitude loss (forward-slip) or crosswind compensation (side-slip)
    • In doing this, you will need to lower the nose as the increase in drag without an increase in thrust will cause a rapid loss of airspeed, risking a stall
    • Simply stated, the higher the angle of bank, the lower the nose must be

  • Slips to Landing:

    • Forward-slip:

      • A forward slip allows pilots to increase the aircraft's rate of descent without increasing airspeed in the process
      • The pilot accomplishes a forward slip by hanging as much of the fuselage (increasing drag) in the breeze as possible
      • This increase in drag bleeds energy
      • Assuming proper runway alignment, the forward slip will allow the aircraft track to be maintained while steepening the descent without adding excessive airspeed
      • This is accomplished by applying full rudder and utilizing the angle of bank to maintain a ground track
      • Since the heading is not aligned with the runway, the slip must be removed before touchdown to avoid excessive side loading on the landing gear, and if a crosswind is present, an appropriate side-slip may be necessary at touchdown, as described below
      • Using the maximum amount of rudder deflection possible will create only one variable (the aileron)
      • With the flaps set to the final setting, set the throttle to idle
      • Initiate the slip by simultaneously providing aileron input (bank) to lower a wing (upwind wing in a crosswind condition) and rudder input (yaw) in the opposite direction so that the longitudinal axis is at an angle to the original flight path
      • Maintain the appropriate amount of bank and yaw to maintain the extended runway centerline
      • Maintain the appropriate amount of bank and yaw to maintain the extended runway centerline
      • Note that the amount of slip (sink rate) depends on the bank angle: the steeper the bank-the greater the descent rate-the greater (steeper) the descent angle-the greater the need for opposite direction yaw (rudder) up to the "practical slip limit" (banking capacity exceeds rudder effectiveness)
      • Adjust the pitch attitude as appropriate to maintain airspeed
        • Trim as necessary
      • Note that because of the location of the pitot tube and static course, airspeed indicator error may be observed when performing slips
        • Recognize a properly performed slip by the airplane's attitude, sound of the airflow, and flight control feel
      • Prior to the roundout, discontinue the forward slip
        • Drag will be decreased lending to an increase in airspeed
      • Complete the appropriate approach and landing procedure

  • Forward-Slips to Landing Procedure:

    WARNING:
    All procedures are GENERALIZED.
    Always fly per Pilot Operating Handbook procedures,
    observing any relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)


  • Forward-Slips to Landing Common Errors:

  • Forward-Slips to Landing (ASEL, ASES) Airman Certification Standards:

    • To determine that the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with a forward slip to a landing
    • References: FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3; POH/AFM; AIM

    Forward Slip to a Landing Knowledge:

    The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:
    • PA.IV.M.K1:
      Concepts of energy management during a forward slip approach
    • PA.IV.M.K2:
      Effects of atmospheric conditions, including wind, on approach and landing performance
    • PA.IV.M.K3:
      Wind correction techniques during forward slip
    • PA.IV.M.K4:
      When and why a forward slip approach is used during an approach

    Forward Slip to a Landing Risk Management:

    The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess and mitigate risks, encompassing:
    • PA.IV.M.R1:
      Selection of runway or approach path and touchdown area based on pilot capability, airplane performance and limitations, available distance, and wind
    • PA.IV.M.R2:
      Effects of:
      • PA.IV.M.R2a:
        Crosswind
      • PA.IV.M.R2b:
        Windshear
      • PA.IV.M.R2c:
        Tailwind
      • PA.IV.M.R2d:
        Wake turbulence
      • PA.IV.M.R2e:
        Water surface/condition
    • PA.IV.M.R3:
      Planning for:
    • PA.IV.M.R4:
      Collision hazards, to include aircraft, terrain, obstacles, wires, vehicles, persons, and wildlife
    • PA.IV.M.R5:
      Low altitude maneuvering including stall, spin, or CFIT
    • PA.IV.M.R6:
      Distractions, loss of situational awareness, or improper task management
    • PA.IV.M.R7:
      Forward slip operations, including fuel flowage, tail stalls with flaps, and lack of airspeed control
    • PA.IV.M.R8:
      Surface contact with the airplane's longitudinal axis misaligned
    • PA.IV.M.R9:
      Unstable approach

    Forward Slip to a Landing Skills:

    The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

    • PA.IV.M.S1:

      Complete the appropriate checklist

    • PA.IV.M.S2:

      Make radio calls as appropriate

    • PA.IV.M.S3:

      Plan and follow a flightpath to the selected landing area considering altitude, wind, terrain, and obstructions

    • PA.IV.M.S4:

      Select the most suitable touchdown point based on wind, landing surface, obstructions, and airplane limitations

    • PA.IV.M.S5:

      Position airplane on downwind leg, parallel to landing runway

    • PA.IV.M.S6:

      Configure the airplane correctly.

    • PA.IV.M.S7:

      As necessary, correlate crosswind with direction of forward slip and transition to sideslip before touchdown

    • PA.IV.M.S8:

      Touch down at a proper pitch attitude, within 400 feet beyond or on the specified point, with no side drift, and with the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway center/landing path

    • PA.IV.M.S9:

      Maintain a ground track aligned with the runway center/landing path

Touchdown Considerations:

  • Flare:
    • Looking too close to the nose may cause a misalignment with the runway due to parallax error
    • Looking farther down the runway provides greater visual cues/perspective
  • Bouncing:
    • Bouncing (porpoising) can result from touching down either too fast or with excessive vertical speed
    • Bouncing can spiral out of control as each successive bounce can produce a greater effect, resulting in potential loss of control or prop strikes
    • Bouncing may be particularly likely with taildragger aircraft when after touchdown, the tail sinks, increasing angle of attack
      • Releasing back pressure on landing can help offset this tendency
    • Consider going around following a significant bounce, and if subsequent bounces, even if minor, start to occur
  • Directional Control:
    • Directional inputs required should be minor when nearing the point of touchdown
    • Pilots should consider use of the aileron to counter any crosswinds and going around if directional control is in question
    • Not being alinged with the runway will be apparent as the aircraft suddenly straightens
      • In tricyle-gear aircraft, the CG being in front of nose may cause a pull toward center
      • In tailwheel aircraft, the CG being behind the pilot may cause a pull away from center as the CG swings around, eventually resulting in a ground loop

Noise Abatement:

  • Aircraft noise problems are a major concern at many airports throughout the country. Many local communities have pressured airports into developing specific operational procedures that help limit aircraft noise while operating over nearby areas. As a result, noise abatement procedures have been developed for many of these airports that include standardized profiles and procedures to achieve these lower noise goals
  • Airports that have noise abatement procedures provide information to pilots, operators, air carriers, air traffic facilities, and other special groups that are applicable to their airport. These procedures are available to the aviation community by various means. Most of this information comes from the Chart Supplements, local and regional publications, printed handouts, operator bulletin boards, safety briefings, and local air traffic facilities
  • At airports that use noise abatement procedures, reminder signs may be installed at the taxiway hold positions for applicable runways to remind pilots to use and comply with noise abatement procedures on departure. Pilots who are not familiar with these procedures should ask the tower or air traffic facility for the recommended procedures. In any case, pilots should be considerate of the surrounding community while operating their airplane to and from such an airport. This includes operating as quietly, and safely as possible
  • Noise abatement rules are the domain of the FAA however, that will not always stop municipalities from creating their own restrictions such as Scottsdale, AZ
    • When flying to new airports, consider researching local rules
    • If you hear phrases from ATC such as "noise abatement procedures are in effect" then this can be a huge clue
    • While the FAA rules should overrule municipalities, it is always a good idea to be a good neighbor
  • Always consult the aircraft's Pilot Operating Handbook for amplifying information regarding noise abatement

Aim Point Vs. Touchdown Point:

  • When on approach to land, you will select an aim point
  • That aim point is your anchor for your approach, but its not supposed to be where you actually touch down
  • Instead, that is where your round-out should occur, making touchdown a few hundred feet down the runway
  • When landing on tricycle gear, set down on the mains and let the nose wheel drop on its own
    • pushing the nose forward to "stick" the landing risks "wheel Wheelbarrowing"
      • Directional control with the weight on the wheels will reduce directional control
      • In the most extreme cases, this could lead to a ground loop
  • To avoid landing with the gear up, establish habits that check for configuration, and exercise them
    • If it is realized the gear is not down, go-around, as landing gear may not extend in time, and you likely to lose what may have previously been a stabilized approach
  • Utilize a method to double check the gear and flaps levers, to avoid accidental reconfiguration on the ground
    • Make configuration changes during periods of low, not high, workload, so as to have bandwidth to double check
    • Squat switches may help avoid the gear from coming up, but they can fail - don't rely on them

Ground Roll Vs. Landing Distance:

  • Pilot Operating Handbooks published the landing distance based on the pilot's touchdown point
  • If the touchdown point is farther down the runway than the start of the available landing distance, the ground roll calculated will be addative to that distance, resulting in a longer than expected landing distance
  • As with all performance charts, they are performed under a specific set of conditions on a test aircraft, often resulting in optimistic performance than experienced in reality

Night Approach and Landing Considerations:

  • Most pilots are not as proficient at night as in the day, therefore benefiting from a review of night illusions which may be encountered
  • Remember additional equipment requirements exist
  • If carrying passengers at night, night currency must be considered
  • Review Airport Markings and Signs, as they will appear different at night
  • Also, review Airport Lighting and consider ahead of time when you plan to turn on (and refresh the lighting timer, if necessary) airport lighting

  • Black Out Landings:

    • Pilots and instructors should consider the potential benefits of training to alnd without the landing light on
      • Training improves both landing light failures, and general feel of the airplane techniques
    • Doing so requires pilots to focus on the runway lights and not on the illuminated piece of runway
    • It is not important to nail the landing on a specific point, but to safely execute the landing, even if that means landing longer than normal
    • There is of course risk to landing without a landing light
      • Landing without the landing light should be planned and briefed before its conduct - don't decide randomly to try it for the first time one night

Exiting the Runway After Landing:

  • Exit the runway without delay at the first available taxiway or on a taxiway as instructed by ATC
    • Pilots must not exit the landing runway onto another runway unless authorized by ATC
    • At airports with an operating control tower, pilots should not stop or reverse course on the runway without first obtaining ATC approval
  • Taxi clear of the runway unless otherwise directed by ATC-An aircraft is considered clear of the runway when all parts of the aircraft are past the runway edge and there are no restrictions to its continued movement beyond the runway holding position markings
    • In the absence of ATC instructions, the pilot is expected to taxi clear of the landing runway by taxiing beyond the runway holding position markings associated with the landing runway, even if that requires the aircraft to protrude into or cross another taxiway or ramp area
    • Once all parts of the aircraft have crossed the runway holding position markings, the pilot must hold unless further instructions have been issued by ATC
    • A pilot who has just landed should not change from the tower frequency to ground control frequency until directed to do so by the controller
  • The tower will issue the pilot instructions which will permit the aircraft to enter another taxiway, runway, or ramp area when required
  • Guidance contained above is considered an integral part of the landing clearance and satisfies the requirement of 14 CFR Section 91.129
  • Immediately change to ground control frequency when advised by the tower and obtain a taxi clearance
  • The tower will issue instructions required to resolve any potential conflictions with other ground traffic prior to advising the pilot to contact ground control
  • Ground control will issue taxi clearance to parking
    • That clearance does not authorize the aircraft to "enter" or "cross" any runways. Pilots not familiar with the taxi route should request specific taxi instructions from ATC

Approach and Landing Airman Certification Standards:

Approach and Landing Case Studies:

Conclusion:

  • Landing is the most dangerous phases of flight, as it is in a terminal area when the pilot is most likely to be fatigued and concentrating on the "get-there-itis"
  • Calculate performance data, examples found here
  • Reference traffic pattern
  • The traffic pattern is the ultimate goal, which began with the Rectangular Course
  • Remember that go-arounds are always free
    • For this reason, never box yourself into a landing
    • Consider clouds/visibility in the terminal area, because you may need to go around, and if you're operating under Visual Flight Rules, you need to maintain legal requirements
  • Every good landing starts with a stabilized approach
    • Avoid any urge to "chop and drop"
    • Be smooth and remember slow flight/stall practice/characteristics to settle the aircraft onto the runway
    • Check out the FAA stabilized approach and landing fact sheet
    • The direction with which the wind may impact the pattern
      • With all things constant, headwinds increase lift, decreasing descent rate while the opposite is true for tailwinds
    • According to the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) program, the chances of being unstable can double as you increasingly fly above a 3:1 flight path profile
  • Approach speeds, threshold crossing speeds, and landing speeds are all in reference to a pilot's location on approach, and should be seen as phases of the approach vs. one continuous phase and airspeed
  • Always fly the airplane all the way to the taxiway
    • Resist the urge to talk on the radio or switch frequencies if the aircraft is not firmly under control-ATC can wait in this case
    • Maintain and increase (as airspeed decreases) any crosswind inputs!
  • Landing surface is critical, as landing on fields that are frozen or wet may provide the same control and braking actions of paved runways with ice
  • When expecting clearance to land, listen for the wind call to best prepare for crosswinds
  • Consider keeping the speed up on approach to commercial airports when sequenced in with other, generally turbine (faster), aircraft as a courtesy to traffic flow
  • Be mindful of terrain on final, shadows can hide structures and sun position can cause blind spots
  • Additional resources are available through tools such as the FAA's Runway Safety Simulator
  • Before every clearance to land, tower will give you the winds
    • Pay attention to this information! It may indicate a wind-shift you did not expect!
  • When receiving a clearance to land, pay special attention to the runway for which you're cleared
    • This can be especially important when expecting a certain runway either from the ATIS, ATC, or repetitive operations out of the same airfield whereby procedures are usually the same
  • When performed correctly, your traffic pattern leg ground track will be straight as if flying in no wind conditions
  • Before every clearance to land, tower will give you the winds
    • Pay attention to this information! It may indicate a wind-shift you did not expect!
    • Set the heading bug, if available, to wind velocity to keep situational awareness to direction
  • When landing in a significant crosswind, consider a lower flap setting
  • If wind shear is a concern, consider carrying a higher airspeed on final to increase stall margin
  • Check with your Pilot Operating Handbook for the appropriate limitations for your aircraft
  • If flying an instrument approach into a crosswind and you subsequently break out, avoid the temptation to point at the runway if you already have a correction in for the crosswind, let it work and adjust as necessary
  • Remember the lessons learned while performing power-off stalls, which simulate the conditions and demanded response of a stall experienced while on approach
  • Note there are forward-slips, and side-slips
    • Forward slips allow pilots to increase the aircraft's rate of descent without increasing airspeed in the process (used when performing a forward-slip to landing)
    • Side-slips allow pilots to compensate for a crosswind on final approach (used when compensating for crosswinds on landing)
  • While not illegal, consider avoiding straight in approaches to remain predictable to traffic already in the pattern
  • The FAA offers an off airport operations guide for review by pilots operating in more remote locations
  • As proficiency builds, its time to think about power loss in the pattern, and a set up for emergency landings
  • Consider practicing maneuvers on a flight simulator to introduce yourself to maneuvers or knock off rust
  • Review safety considerations through AOPA's takeoff's and landings safety center
  • The AOPA also offers a runway safety course
  • Still looking for something? Continue searching:

References: